Factors Affecting Consumer Choices for Health Goods in Malaysia
Journal name: The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences
Original article title: Factors Influencing Consumer Purchase Decisions for Health-Promoting Goods and Services in Malaysia
The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences (MJMS) is a peer-reviewed, open-access journal published online at least six times a year. It covers all aspects of medical sciences and prioritizes high-quality research.
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Original source:
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Yong Kang CHEAH
The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences:
(A peer-reviewed, open-access journal)
Full text available for: Factors Influencing Consumer Purchase Decisions for Health-Promoting Goods and Services in Malaysia
Year: 2014
Copyright (license): CC BY 4.0
Download the PDF file of the original publication
Summary of article contents:
Introduction
Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular diseases are increasingly prevalent globally, with significant health burdens, particularly in Malaysia. The Third National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS III) indicated that a considerable portion of Malaysian adults is afflicted by these conditions. To counteract this, health-promoting goods and services have emerged as key preventive measures. Defined as out-of-pocket health expenditures aimed at improving health, these services include medical equipment, health education products, and dietary supplements. Despite substantial spending on health-promoting initiatives in Malaysia, understanding the socio-demographic and health-related factors influencing their use remains crucial.
Summary of One Important Concept: Socio-demographic Influences on Health-Promoting Goods and Services
The findings reveal that various socio-demographic factors significantly affect the usage of health-promoting goods and services. Factors such as age, income, gender, ethnicity, education, marital status, and residential location were found to influence behavior patterns. For instance, older individuals and high-income earners were more likely to engage in health-promoting activities, while younger age groups, low-income individuals, men, and lesser-educated populations showed lower participation rates. Notably, married individuals and urban residents utilized these services more frequently than their single and rural counterparts. This highlights the importance of tailoring health promotion strategies to specific demographic segments to enhance participation and address health disparities.
Conclusion
The study underscores the interplay between socio-demographic and health factors in the utilization of health-promoting goods and services in Malaysia. This information is vital for policymakers aiming to formulate effective intervention measures. Recommendations include increasing health awareness among youths and low-income groups, promoting gender-sensitive health initiatives for men, and leveraging community outreach in rural areas. Furthermore, enhancing educational campaigns targeted at less-educated populations could significantly bolster the usage of preventive health services, ultimately leading to better health outcomes in the Malaysian population.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What were the demographics associated with health-promoting goods usage?
Key demographics include age, income, gender, ethnicity, education, marital status, and residence. The study found that young individuals and low-income earners were less likely to utilize health-promoting goods and services, with males showing lower usage rates compared to females.
How was data for the study collected and analyzed?
Data was sourced from the Third National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS III), involving over 30,000 respondents. Statistical analysis included Pearson chi-square tests and binary logistic regression models to evaluate the relationship between demographic factors and the use of health-promoting goods.
What were some key findings regarding health-promoting goods and services?
The study revealed that higher income and educational levels significantly increased the odds of using health-promoting services. Additionally, factors such as being married and living in urban areas also correlated with higher usage rates of these health services.
What policy recommendations were suggested based on the findings?
The study suggested promoting awareness about health issues among younger individuals, subsidizing health services for low-income groups, and targeting males with health promotion campaigns. It also recommended using culturally relevant spokespeople to engage less represented ethnic groups in health initiatives.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Factors Affecting Consumer Choices for Health Goods in Malaysia”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.
1) Study (Studying):
The keyword 'Study' is central to research in public health, especially concerning health-promoting goods and services. It pertains to the systematic investigation aiming to gain new insights or validate existing knowledge about factors affecting health behaviors, informed by methodologies like surveys and data analysis. Such studies help shape public health policies and interventions.
2) Disease:
The term 'Disease' addresses non-communicable diseases (NCDs), which are increasingly prevalent globally and significantly impact public health. Understanding the factors influencing the development and management of diseases is essential for designing effective health promotion strategies. This term emphasizes the importance of prevention and management practices to reduce disease burden.
3) Education:
In the context of health promotion, 'Education' plays a vital role in increasing awareness and knowledge regarding health behaviors and risks. A statistically significant correlation exists between education level and health practices; individuals with higher education generally show healthier lifestyles and are more likely to utilize health services effectively.
4) Table:
The keyword 'Table' refers to a method of presenting data clearly and systematically, aiding in the review and interpretation of study findings. Tables summarize vital statistical information and results from studies, facilitating comparisons across different demographic variables like age, income, and ethnicity, thus enriching the data analysis.
5) Male:
The word 'Male' highlights gender differences in health-promoting behaviors. In many studies, including this one, males are often less likely to engage in health-promoting activities compared to females. This aspect indicates social and biological influences that affect health-seeking behaviors, allowing for targeted interventions to improve male health.
6) Indian:
Referring to a specific ethnic group, 'Indian' signifies the cultural and social factors influencing health behaviors within this demographic in Malaysia. The usage of ethnic categories aids researchers to comprehend disparities in health service utilization and to design interventions that respect and accommodate cultural practices and preferences.
7) Cancer:
As one of the major non-communicable diseases, 'Cancer' is a critical focus within health research. Understanding risk factors and preventative measures is fundamental in shaping health-promoting initiatives. The study emphasizes reducing cancer incidence through increased awareness and accessibility to health-promoting goods and services among various populations.
8) Blood:
The term 'Blood' is essential in epidemiology and health assessments, often linked with various health conditions, including hypertension and hypercholesterolemia. Monitoring blood pressure and cholesterol levels is crucial in understanding an individual's health status and is integral to evaluating their health-related behaviors and promotion services usage.
9) Servant:
The keyword 'Servant' in this context refers to individuals in occupations such as civil service. Employment type can impact health behaviors through the availability of resources and socio-economic status, thus influencing the likelihood of utilizing health-promoting services, thereby highlighting disparities based on occupational categories.
10) Money:
'Money' represents the economic aspect of health promotion, indicating that financial ability influences individuals' access to health-promoting goods and services. The study underlines the necessity to consider financial barriers that low-income groups face, aiming to reduce inequities and promote health in lower socioeconomic segments.
11) Family:
The term 'Family' pertains to the social unit that significantly impacts individual health behaviors and decisions. Health promotion strategies often aim to engage families, recognizing that collective actions within families can enhance the adoption of health-promoting practices, impacting overall community health outcomes.
12) Reason:
The keyword 'Reason' reflects the rationale behind using health-promoting goods and services. Understanding why certain demographics either utilize or abstain from these services is pivotal for developing effective public health interventions, helping to address underlying motivations or barriers to health-seeking behaviors.
13) Calculation:
'Calculation' relates to the statistical processes involved in determining relationships between variables, such as income, age, and health service use. It is central to a rigorous analysis of survey data, leading to conclusions that can inform public health policies and interventions tailored for diverse populations.
14) Science (Scientific):
'Scientific' denotes the basis of the study, emphasizing that findings stem from structured methodologies and data analyses. This label underlines the credibility and relevance of the research, ensuring that outcomes and conclusions are grounded in empirical evidence from a nationally representative dataset.
15) Account:
The term 'Account' in this context refers to the importance of considering various factors such as socio-demographic attributes in understanding health behavior. It emphasizes the necessity for policymakers to account for diversity among the population when designing targeted health interventions.
16) Rules:
'Rules' denote the health-related guidelines or principles that influence behavioral expectations and practices. The study implies that understanding these regulations and their efficacy in promoting health behaviors is essential for ensuring adherence to recommended health-promoting practices across different demographic groups.
17) Death:
The keyword 'Death' underscores the ultimate consequence of unhealthy behaviors and the importance of preventive measures. By highlighting mortality rates associated with non-communicable diseases, the study accentuates the urgency in promoting health to reduce the risk of preventable fatalities.
18) Diet:
The term 'Diet' refers to dietary practices that are often linked to health outcomes. Understanding dietary habits is essential for assessing the effectiveness of health-promoting services, as they play a significant role in preventing non-communicable diseases and improving overall health among populations.
19) Pur:
The term 'Poor' highlights socio-economic status as a critical determinant of health. Individuals from lower income brackets often face significant barriers in accessing health-promoting goods and services. The study emphasizes the need to address these inequities to enhance health outcomes among marginalized populations.
20) Life:
'Life' in this context is central to public health, signifying the quality of health and longevity. The study explores lifestyle factors influencing the health of Malaysian citizens, underlining the connection between lifestyle choices and the lifespan that can be positively impacted through health-promoting behaviors.
21) Observation:
'Observation' refers to the process of systematically noting and recording phenomena, as done in surveys. In research, significant observations yield valuable insights into public health patterns, guiding the development of effective health policies and interventions aimed at improving community health.
22) Discussion:
The term 'Discussion' indicates the analytical dialogue surrounding study findings, where researchers interpret results and link them to existing literature. This section is crucial for contextualizing data, assessing implications, and suggesting future research or policy directions based on health behaviors observed.
23) Developing:
'Developing' alludes to the growth of health-promoting initiatives and interventions, particularly in low or middle-income settings. The study seeks to contribute to the enhancement of health services accessibility, aiming at fostering a healthier population by addressing barriers faced by underprivileged communities.
24) Knowledge:
The keyword 'Knowledge' emphasizes the essential role of health education in promoting awareness about health-promoting goods and services. The study illustrates how increased knowledge can lead to better health outcomes by influencing behaviors positively and encouraging utilization of available health resources.
25) Relative:
'Relative' refers to the comparative aspect in understanding health behaviors among different demographic groups. Assessing relative differences in health service usage allows for targeted interventions, ensuring that health promotion strategies recognize and address the unique needs of diverse populations.
26) Citizen:
'Citizen' relates to the population as active participants in health initiatives. Understanding the behavior of citizens regarding health service utilization is essential for policymakers to tailor strategies that encourage community engagement and improve public health outcomes.
27) Nature:
'Nature' reflects the intrinsic qualities of health-promoting goods and services, emphasizing their importance in preventing diseases. Understanding the nature of these services helps inform populations of their benefits, subsequently enhancing their usage and contributing positively to public health.
28) Visit:
In this context, 'Visit' pertains to healthcare interactions, whether for preventive or curative purposes. The frequency of visits to health services is influenced by various factors, making it a vital aspect in studying health behaviors and promoting the acceptance of health-promoting resources.
29) Food:
'Food' is a critical element impacting health directly, linking diet to the prevention of non-communicable diseases. The study underscores the importance of food choices and nutrition education as part of health-promoting initiatives aimed at improving overall community health.
30) Pose:
The term 'Pose' suggests presenting questions or challenges pertaining to health-promoting behavior adoption. Recognizing what barriers individuals 'pose' in their health behaviors can help in formulating effective strategies tailored to mitigate those challenges and promote healthier lifestyle choices.
31) Line:
'Line' refers to the continuum of health awareness among different demographics. Understanding where populations fall on this line of health literacy can guide health promotion efforts, focusing on education and resources according to the specific needs of various communities.
32) Post:
'Post' indicates the aftermath or outcomes resulting from health promotion activities. Investigating the post-implementation effects of health interventions allows researchers and policymakers to assess efficacy and refine future strategies aimed at improving public health engagement and outcomes.
Other Science Concepts:
Discover the significance of concepts within the article: ‘Factors Affecting Consumer Choices for Health Goods in Malaysia’. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:
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