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Ethnic and Gender Differentials in Non-Communicable Diseases and Self-Rated Health in Malaysia

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  • Jane K L Teh
  • Nai Peng Tey
  • Sor Tho Ng

Abstract

Objectives: This paper examines the ethnic and gender differentials in high blood pressure (HBP), diabetes, coronary heart disease (CHD), arthritis and asthma among older people in Malaysia, and how these diseases along with other factors affect self-rated health. Differentials in the prevalence of non-communicable diseases among older people are examined in the context of socio-cultural perspectives in multi-ethnic Malaysia. Methods: Data for this paper are obtained from the 2004 Malaysian Population and Family Survey. The survey covered a nationally representative sample of 3,406 persons aged 50 and over, comprising three main ethnic groups (Malays, Chinese and Indians) and all other indigenous groups. Bivariate analyses and hierarchical logistic regression were used in the analyses. Results: Arthritis was the most common non-communicable disease (NCD), followed by HBP, diabetes, asthma and CHD. Older females were more likely than males to have arthritis and HBP, but males were more likely to have asthma. Diabetes and CHD were most prevalent among Indians, while arthritis and HBP were most prevalent among the Indigenous groups. Older people were more likely to report poor health if they suffered from NCD, especially CHD. Controlling for socio-economic, health and lifestyle factors, Chinese were least likely to report poor health, whereas Indians and Indigenous people were more likely to do so. Chinese that had HBP were more likely to report poor health compared to other ethnic groups with the same disease. Among those with arthritis, Indians were more likely to report poor health. Conclusion: Perceived health status and prevalence of arthritis, HBP, diabetes, asthma and CHD varied widely across ethnic groups. Promotion of healthy lifestyle, early detection and timely intervention of NCDs affecting different ethnic groups and gender with socio-cultural orientations would go a long way in alleviating the debilitating effects of the common NCDs among older people.

Suggested Citation

  • Jane K L Teh & Nai Peng Tey & Sor Tho Ng, 2014. "Ethnic and Gender Differentials in Non-Communicable Diseases and Self-Rated Health in Malaysia," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 9(3), pages 1-8, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:plo:pone00:0091328
    DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0091328
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    2. Rosa Ribot-Rodriguez & Andrea Higuera-Gomez & Rodrigo San-Cristobal & Roberto Martín-Hernández & Víctor Micó & Isabel Espinosa-Salinas & Ana Ramírez de Molina & J. Alfredo Martínez, 2022. "Cardiometabolic Health Status, Ethnicity and Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) Disparities in an Adult Population: NutrIMDEA Observational Web-Based Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(5), pages 1-18, March.
    3. Norhafizah Sahril & Yee Mang Chan & Ying Ying Chan & Noor Ani Ahmad & Mohd Shaiful Azlan Kassim & Nik Adilah Shahein & Muhammad Solihin Rezali & Mohamad Aznuddin Abd Razak & Fatin Athirah Tahir & Nor’, 2023. "Poor Self-Rated Health and Associated Factors among Older Persons in Malaysia: A Population-Based Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(5), pages 1-13, February.

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