• J Gen Intern Med · Sep 2020

    Ethnic Differences in Participation in Medical Check-ups Among the Elderly: Evidence from Malaysia.

    • Yong Kang Cheah and David Meltzer.
    • School of Economics, Finance and Banking, College of Business, Universiti Utara Malaysia, Sintok, Kedah Darul Aman, Malaysia. cheahykang@gmail.com.
    • J Gen Intern Med. 2020 Sep 1; 35 (9): 2680-2686.

    BackgroundThere were ethnic differences in the prevalence of non-communicable diseases among the elderly in Malaysia.ObjectiveTo examine ethnic differences in participation in medical check-ups among the elderly.DesignA 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).ParticipantsThe 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 MeasuresThe 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 ResultsAmong 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 check-ups than Malays.ConclusionsThere 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.

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