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Factors Associated with the Need for Assistance among the Elderly in Malaysia

Author

Listed:
  • Nazarudin Safian

    (Department of Community Health, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Cheras 56000, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia)

  • Shamsul Azhar Shah

    (Department of Community Health, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Cheras 56000, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia)

  • Juliana Mansor

    (Department of Community Health, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Cheras 56000, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia)

  • Zulkefley Mohammad

    (Department of Community Health, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Cheras 56000, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia)

  • Siti Rohani Nurumal

    (Department of Community Health, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Cheras 56000, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia)

  • Wan Abdul Hannan Wan Ibadullah

    (Department of Community Health, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Cheras 56000, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia)

  • Saharuddin Ahmad

    (Department of Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Cheras 56000, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia)

  • Yugo Shobugawa

    (Division of International Health (Public Health), Niigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata 950-2181, Japan
    Department of Active Ageing (Donated by Tokamachi City, Niigata, Japan), Niigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata 951-8510, Japan)

Abstract

The need for assistance among the elderly is rising, which poses challenges for healthcare systems. Thus, this study aims to determine the factors associated with the need for assistance in the daily living activities of Malaysia’s elderly population. A total of 1204 elderly individuals, aged 60 years and above, were recruited. An interview was conducted using the Bahasa Malaysia version of the Japan Gerontological Evaluation Study (JAGES-BM) questionnaire. Overall, 7.7% of the elderly participants required assistance. A logistic regression model showed that difficult financial statuses (aOR 4.56), hearing difficulties (aOR 1.78), and severe limitations in daily activity over the past 6 months (aOR 11.99) were associated with a higher likelihood of needing assistance. In addition, daily activities such as an inability to feed (aOR 8.46), stand without support (aOR 2.06), or walk for 15 min without stopping (aOR 1.99) were significantly associated with the need for assistance. Factors associated with the need for assistance are health status, disability, and the financial status of the elderly. Preventive measures should be included in policies to ensure the sustainability of the care provided to the elderly in terms of promoting healthy ageing and a good quality of life.

Suggested Citation

  • Nazarudin Safian & Shamsul Azhar Shah & Juliana Mansor & Zulkefley Mohammad & Siti Rohani Nurumal & Wan Abdul Hannan Wan Ibadullah & Saharuddin Ahmad & Yugo Shobugawa, 2021. "Factors Associated with the Need for Assistance among the Elderly in Malaysia," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(2), pages 1-14, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:18:y:2021:i:2:p:730-:d:481322
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Alvisa Palese & Luca Grassetti & Ranieri Zuttion & Barbara Ferrario & Sandra Ponta & Illarj Achil & Mark Hayter & Roger Watson, 2019. "Self‐feeding dependence incidence and predictors among nursing home residents: Findings from a 5 year retrospective regional study," Nursing & Health Sciences, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 21(3), pages 297-306, September.
    2. Liangwen Zhang & Yanbing Zeng & Lixia Wang & Ya Fang, 2020. "Urban–Rural Differences in Long-Term Care Service Status and Needs Among Home-Based Elderly People in China," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(5), pages 1-18, March.
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    Cited by:

    1. Shamsul Azhar Shah & Nazarudin Safian & Saharuddin Ahmad & Wan Abdul Hannan Wan Ibadullah & Zulkefley bin Mohammad & Siti Rohani Nurumal & Juliana Mansor & Mohd Fairuz Addnan & Yugo Shobugawa, 2021. "Factors Associated with Happiness among Malaysian Elderly," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(7), pages 1-11, April.
    2. Daniel Badell & Jesica de Armas & Albert Julià, 2022. "Impact of Socioeconomic Environment on Home Social Care Service Demand and Dependent Users," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(4), pages 1-21, February.

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