Socioeconomic determinants of health enhancing expenditure among the elderly in Malaysia: an ethnic comparison

The objective of this study is to examine the effects of socioeconomic factors on consumption of health-enhancing goods and services among different ethnicities of the elderly in Malaysia. The Third National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS III) comprising 4573 respondents (aged ≥ 60) is used for analysis. The results suggest that age, income, gender, education and location of residence are significantly associated with consumption of health-enhancing goods and services. Specifically, there are negative relationships between the likelihood of consuming health-enhancing goods and services and older individuals, lower income earners, males, the less-educated, and rural dwellers. Based on these findings, several intervention strategies toward promoting the consumption of health-enhancing goods and services are suggested

Factors Affecting Alcohol Consumption: The Case of Penang, Malaysia

In light of the increases in alcohol-induced diseases and social problems, the present study sets out to examine the factors affecting alcohol consumption among adults in Penang (Malaysia) using a cross-sectional survey sample consisting of 398 respondents. The results of the logistic regression analysis show that age, gender, ethnicity, marital status and smoking are signifi cantly associated with alcohol consumption. In particular, males (OR: 3.720; 95% CI: 1.939, 7.136), Chinese (OR: 3.628; 95% CI: 1.808, 7.279) and smokers (OR: 5.083; 95% CI: 1.876, 13.774) are more likely to consume alcohol than others, whereas, old individuals (OR: 0.971; 95% CI: 0.941, 1.002), Malays (OR: 0.059; 95% CI: 0.021, 0.165) and married individuals (OR: 0.419; 95% CI: 0.211, 0.833) are less likely to consume alcohol than others. Based on the fi ndings of the present study, several intervention strategies toward reducing alcohol consumption are proposed. Specifi cally, these strategies should be targeted at young individuals, males, Chinese, unmarried individuals and smokers

The role of socio-demographic factors on self-rated happiness: The case of Malaysia

This study examines the role of socio-demographic determinants on individual’s level of happiness. Primary survey data on Penang, Malaysia is used for analysis. Based on the findings, being married and Malay are associated with higher probability of feeling very happy or happy. Nevertheless, individuals who suffer from chronic diseases are more likely to have unhappy or very unhappy feelings. The rest of the factors such as income, education, age, gender, and employment status are found to have insignificant effects on happiness. Several policy implications can be recommended based on the outcomes.Education; Health; Happiness; Income; Malaysia; Well-being

Socioeconomic and lifestyle determinants of blood glucose screening in Malaysia

Background: The increase in prevalence of diabetes is a serious public health issue.It is well documented that use of blood glucose screening can help to reduce the risk of developing diabetes. Objectives: To examine the socioeconomic and lifestyle factors associated with use of blood glucose screening among Malaysian adults. Methods: Nationally representative data from 2,415 survey respondents was used. The survey was a cross sectional population-based study previously conducted by the Ministry of Health Malaysia. A logistic regression model was developed to estimate the likelihood of using blood glucose screening.Results: Age, marital status, ethnicity, income, smoking, and body mass index were significantly associated with use of blood glucose screening.In particular, older individuals, married individuals, Malays, higher income earners, non-smokers, and being obese, overweight or of normal weight were correlated with a higher likelihood of using blood glucose screening. Conclusions: It is important to acquire a better knowledge of the factors that can influence the decision of people to adopt preventive measures. Having better information regarding which groups of individuals use or do not use blood glucose screening can assist governments in developing appropriate intervention programs

The determinants of participation in physical activity in Malaysia

Objectives: In light of the importance of physical activity, the aim of the present study is to examine the factors affecting participation in physical activity among adults in Malaysia. Methods: A logistic regression model and the Third National Health and Morbidity Survey consisting of 30,992 respondents were used.Results: Age, income, gender, education, marital status, region, house locality,job characteristics, and medical conditions are significantly associated with participation in physical activity.In particular, old individuals, high income earners, females, the well-educated, widowed or divorced individuals, East Malaysians, urban dwellers, the unemployed, and individuals who are not diagnosed with hypercholesterolemia are less likely to be physically active than others. Conclusion: Because sociodemographic and health factors play an important role in determining physical activity, the government should take them into account when formulating policy

Economic and demographic determinants of demand for alcohol: The case of Malaysia

The objective of this study is to investigate factors that affect the decisions of Malaysian adults to consume alcohol.This study used the Third National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS III) which has 30,992 respondents.The results from the study suggested that age, income, gender, ethnicity, education, location of residence and employment status have significant effects on alcohol consumption.In particular, younger individuals, higher income earners, males, Chinese, the well-educated, urban dwellers, civil servants, private sector employees, the self-employed and students are associated with a higher likelihood of consuming alcohol. The findings from this study call for several anti-alcohol intervention strategies

Factors affecting use of preventive medical care: An exploratory case study using Penang data

The objective of this study is to examine socio-demographic, lifestyle and health determinants of use of preventive medical care in Malaysia. Based on a cross-sectional survey conducted in Penang (Malaysia), logit models were used to analyse the likelihood of using preventive medical care. Findings indicate age, ethnicity, marital status, history of serious family illnesses, education, income and self-rated health can affect the likelihood of using preventive medical care.In particular, young individuals, ethnic Malays, the unmarried, individuals without history of serious family illnesses, the less educated, low income earners and individuals with self-rated fair/excellent health are unlikely to use preventive medical care.Based on these findings, several population-based health policies targeted at increasing the use of preventive medical care are propose

Factors influencing consumer purchase decisions for health-promoting goods and services in Malaysia

Background: In the context of global increases in the prevalence of non-communicable diseases,the objective of the present study is to investigate the factors affecting individuals’ decisions to use health-promoting goods and services. Methods: The Third National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS III), consisting of 30992 respondents, was analysed. The Pearson chi-square test was applied to compare the distribution of categorical variables.A binary logistic regression model was used to assess the likelihood of using health-promoting goods and services. Results: Age, income, gender, ethnicity, education, marital status, location of residence, job characteristics, and being diagnosed with hypercholesterolemia were significantly associated with use of health-promoting goods and services. In contrast, young individuals, low income earners, males, Indians and others, the less-educated, single individuals, rural dwellers, the unemployed and individuals with hypercholesterolemia were less likely to use health-promoting goods and services than others. Conclusion: Socio-demographic and health factors played an important role in affecting the use of health-promoting goods and services.Based on these factors, several intervention measures with the intent of increasing the use of health-promoting goods and services were suggested, if only applicable to Malaysians

Ethnic differences in participation in medical check-ups among the elderly: Evidence from Malaysia

BACKGROUND: There were ethnic differences in the prevalence of non-communicable diseases among the elderly in Malaysia. OBJECTIVE: To examine ethnic differences in participation in medical check-ups among the elderly. DESIGN: A nationally representative data set was employed. Multiple logistic regressions were utilised to examine the relationship between ethnicity and the likelihood of undergoing medical check-ups. The regressions were stratified by age, income, marital status, gender, household location, insurance access and health status. These variables were also controlled for in the regressions (including stratified regressions). PARTICIPANTS: The respondents were required to be residents of Malaysia and not be institutionalised. Overall, 30,806 individuals were selected to be interviewed, but only 28,650 were actually interviewed, equivalent to a 93% response rate. Of those, only 2248 were used in the analyses, because 26,402 were others or below aged 60. MAIN MEASURES: The dependent variable was participation in a medical check-up. The main independent variables were the three major ethnic groups in Malaysia (Malay, Chinese, Indian).KEY RESULTS: Among the elderly aged 70–79 years, Chinese (aOR 1.89; 95% CI 1.28, 2.81) and Indians (aOR 2.39; 95% CI 1.20, 4.74) were more likely to undergo medical check-ups than Malays. Among the elderly with monthly incomes of ≤ RM999, Chinese (aOR 1.44; 95% CI 1.12, 1.85) and Indians (aOR 1.50; 95% CI 0.99, 2.28) were more likely to undergo medical check-ups than Malays. Indian males were more likely to undergo medical check-ups than Malay males (aOR 2.32; 95% CI 1.15, 4.67). Chinese with hypercholesterolaemia (aOR 1.45; 95% CI 1.07, 1.98) and hypertension (aOR 1.32; 95% CI 1.02, 1.72) were more likely to undergo medical checkups than Malays. CONCLUSIONS: There were ethnic differences in participation in medical check-ups among the elderly. These ethnic differences varied across age, income, marital status, gender, household location, insurance access and health status

Sociodemographic factors as determinants of fruit and vegetable consumption in Malaysia

The present study examines the factors afecting fruit and vegetable (FV) consumption in Malaysia. A nationally representative data that consists of a large sample size is used. Hence, the fndings can provide inferential information. The present study uses secondary data from the Malaysian Household Expenditure Survey 2009/2010. The survey was carried out using a two-stage stratifed sampling. The frst stage was based on Enumeration Blocks, while the second stage was based on Living Quarters. A lognormal hurdle model is used to estimate the consumption decision and amount decision of FV across ethnic groups. The results suggest that household size, income, gender, marital status, age and education play signifcant roles in FV consumption. The probability of consuming FV and amount spent increase with household size (p<0.05). Higher income earners are more likely to consume FV than lower income earners (p<0.05). Being male (p<0.05) and unmarried (p<0.05) seem to reduce the consumption likelihood and amount spent. Compared to younger household heads, older household heads have a higher tendency to consume FV (p<0.05). In terms of policy implication, an intervention measure directed toward increasing FV consumption should focus particularly on those who are associated with low FV consumption. In conclusion, household heads’ sociodemographic and household characteristics are important in determining consumption decision and amount decision of FV among Malaysian households