Morbidity patterns and healthcare utilisation among older people in Malaysia: 1996-2015

This article examines the trends in morbidities and healthcare utilisation in Malaysian older people aged 60 years and above.

This is a repeated cross-sectional study.

Data from three nation-wide community-based surveys, which were conducted in 1996, 2006, and 2015 were analysed. Multivariate analysis was performed for 2015 data to identify factors associated with healthcare utilisation.

Analysis noted increasing trends in the prevalence of diabetes, hypertension, hypercholesterolaemia and obesity from 1996 to 2015. Decreasing trends were noted in the prevalence of current smokers and drinkers over this 20-year period, whereas health service utilisation increased with age in all surveys. In 2015, both inpatient and outpatient care are significantly associated with increasing age and diabetes.

Increasing trends of health problems and healthcare utilisation were observed among older people in Malaysia. Policymakers should plan for appropriate resources to meet the challenges of an ageing population in Malaysia.