Non-Communicable Diseases Impact Low-Income Households in Malaysia

| Posted in: Science

Journal name: The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences
Original article title: Non-Communicable Diseases Impact Low-Income Households 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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Author:

Norfatihah Isamail, Rusmawati Said, Normaz Wana Ismail, Sharifah Azizah Haron


The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences:

(A peer-reviewed, open-access journal)

Full text available for: Non-Communicable Diseases Impact Low-Income Households in Malaysia

Year: 2024 | Doi: 10.21315/mjms2024.31.1.11

Copyright (license): CC BY 4.0


Download the PDF file of the original publication


Summary of article contents:

Introduction

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) pose significant economic challenges, particularly for low-income households, such as Malaysia's B40 group. This study investigates the impact of NCDs on the financial well-being of these households, highlighting the relationship between health issues and poverty. Data from the 2015 National Health and Morbidity Survey, which included responses from 18,616 participants, was utilized to analyze how NCDs affect poverty levels within this demographic.

Economic Burden of NCDs

An essential finding of the study is the correlation between NCDs and increased risk of poverty among B40 households. Nearly half of the surveyed households reported being diagnosed with at least one NCD, with specific conditions like hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and hypercholesterolemia being particularly prevalent. The data indicates that households with a member suffering from an NCD are significantly more likely to experience financial hardship, especially when facing catastrophic health payments that exceed 25% of their total expenditures. These findings underscore the need for improved health financing and insurance options that can effectively shield low-income families from the financial strains associated with chronic illnesses.

Conclusion

The study emphasizes the critical need for policy interventions aimed at alleviating the economic pressures exerted by NCDs on impoverished households in Malaysia. It reveals that characteristics such as older age, low educational attainment, and unstable employment significantly heighten the likelihood of poverty for the B40 group. By positioning health as a key component of poverty alleviation strategies, the research provides valuable insights that can guide policymakers in developing targeted health financing mechanisms to protect vulnerable populations from the devastating consequences of NCDs. The implications of these findings are crucial for improving both public health and economic stability among low-income households in Malaysia.

FAQ section (important questions/answers):

What are non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and their effects on poverty?

NCDs are chronic illnesses that significantly impact households, especially low-income groups. This study shows that NCDs increase the likelihood of poverty among Malaysia's B40 households, emphasizing the economic burden of health issues.

What methods were used to analyze the impact of NCDs?

The study employed data from the 2015 National Health and Morbidity Survey, utilizing logistic regression analysis to assess the relationship between household poverty and the presence of NCDs among low-income households.

How prevalent are NCDs among Malaysia's B40 households?

Approximately 47.3% of B40 households were diagnosed with at least one NCD in 2015. Common conditions included hypertension at 9.90%, diabetes mellitus at 17.12%, and hypercholesterolemia at 22.89%.

What conclusions were drawn regarding NCDs and financial burden?

The findings indicate that NCDs significantly increase financial distress in low-income households. Effective financial protection plans are necessary to mitigate the economic impact on Malaysia’s B40 group.

Glossary definitions and references:

Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Non-Communicable Diseases Impact Low-Income Households 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) Table:
Table refers to a structured representation of data, often used in research studies to present findings in an organized manner. In the context of the study, tables are crucial for conveying statistics, such as prevalence rates of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and their impact on poverty levels among households.

2) Study (Studying):
Study refers to a comprehensive examination or investigation into a particular subject. In this context, the study analyzes the relationship between non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and poverty among Malaysia's B40 group, utilizing secondary data from the National Health and Morbidity Survey to draw conclusions.

3) Disease:
Disease denotes an abnormal condition affecting the body, often leading to health complications. The study focuses on non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like hypertension and diabetes, underscoring their prevalence among low-income households and the significant financial burden they impose on these vulnerable populations.

4) Education:
Education pertains to the process of facilitating learning and the acquisition of knowledge. The study highlights the correlation between educational attainment and poverty levels, noting that low educational levels amongst the B40 group significantly increase the risk of experiencing poverty and the financial strain imposed by health issues.

5) Pur:
Poor describes individuals or groups living below the poverty line, lacking essential resources for basic living standards. The study specifically examines how non-communicable diseases (NCDs) disproportionately affect the economically disadvantaged B40 households, exacerbating their poverty and financial struggles.

6) Cancer:
Cancer refers to a group of diseases characterized by uncontrolled cell growth. The presence of cancer in the study indicates the severity of health challenges faced by households and underscores the importance of healthcare access and financial support for those diagnosed with chronic illnesses within low-income communities.

7) Quality:
Quality pertains to the standard or degree of excellence of a product or service. In healthcare, quality is critical as it directly impacts treatment outcomes. This study emphasizes the need for improved healthcare quality and accessibility to prevent non-communicable diseases and their economic repercussions on vulnerable populations.

8) Rules:
Rules are principles or guidelines governing behavior or procedures. In the context of health policies, rules impact how resources are allocated, how healthcare is accessed, and how financial protections are implemented, especially concerning the management of non-communicable diseases among low-income households.

9) Line:
Line refers to the predetermined threshold that demarcates poverty. In Malaysia, the poverty line is vital for understanding socio-economic vulnerabilities. The study evaluates how falling below this line correlates with health expenditures, particularly those incurred through non-communicable diseases within the B40 households.

10) Servant:
Servant refers to a person employed to perform tasks or services for others, often within households. In the study, the occupation of individuals is analyzed, with unpaid workers and those in lower socioeconomic roles being at higher risk of poverty, particularly when burdened by chronic diseases.

11) India:
India serves as a point of reference for comparative analysis in the study. Similarities in economic challenges and health disparities regarding non-communicable diseases allow for a broader understanding of poverty dynamics in relation to health, aiding in formulating effective policy interventions.

12) Field:
Field refers to a specific domain of activity or research. In the context of the study, the 'field' is public health, focusing on the intersection of health issues and poverty among the B40 group, thereby influencing understanding and approaches to tackling common health challenges.

13) Cina:
China represents a comparative backdrop in the study, as research on health impacts, similar to those experienced in Malaysia, suggests that addressing non-communicable diseases in low-income populations is a global concern, highlighting the necessity for efficient healthcare frameworks and poverty alleviation tactics.

14) Attending:
Attending involves participation or being present at events, such as medical appointments. The study looks into healthcare access, emphasizing the importance of timely medical attendance in managing non-communicable diseases, thus linking it to poverty levels and the economic burdens households endure.

15) Falling:
Falling denotes a decline or descent into a worse state, particularly concerning poverty status. The study examines how households with members suffering from non-communicable diseases face an increased risk of falling into poverty, drawing a direct correlation between health issues and economic vulnerability.

16) Mahmud:
Mahmud likely refers to one of the authors or contributors to the study. Recognizing individual contributions in research helps acknowledge the collaborative effort involved in examining complex issues like the intersection of non-communicable diseases and household poverty in Malaysia.

17) Reason:
Reason refers to the underlying cause or rationale for an occurrence. In the study, identifying reasons behind the correlation between non-communicable diseases and poverty informs policy recommendations and strategies aimed at mitigating health-related financial hardships in low-income households.

18) Sugar:
Sugar could signify a reference to health guidelines or dietary concerns related to non-communicable diseases, specifically diabetes. The study's examination of prevalent conditions, including diabetes, points to the critical role of managing dietary factors in reducing health risks and poverty impacts.

19) Death:
Death represents the ultimate consequence of severe health conditions, including non-communicable diseases. The mortality rates attributed to these conditions intensify the urgency for effective public health policies to prevent premature deaths and reduce the economic strain on affected low-income families.

20) Post:
Post relates to events or conditions following an occurrence, such as health changes after treatment. In the study, understanding the post-treatment financial situation of individuals with non-communicable diseases is crucial for addressing the long-term effects on poverty levels within households.

21) Male:
Male denotes gender and is significant in health studies. The study may analyze how gender differences impact health outcomes and economic conditions, particularly examining if males face different challenges regarding non-communicable diseases and associated poverty than females.

22) Observation:
Observation refers to the act of monitoring or studying behaviors, events, or phenomena. In research, systematic observation aids in gathering data regarding the prevalence of non-communicable diseases and their effects on poverty, which is critical for making informed policy decisions.

23) Discussion:
Discussion refers to the section of the research where findings are analyzed and interpreted. It provides context for results, while examining the implications of chronic illnesses on poverty. This dialogue helps shape understanding and influence public health strategies.

24) Epidemic:
Epidemic refers to a rapid spread of disease affecting many individuals within a community. The study's reference to non-communicable diseases as an epidemic highlights the urgent public health implications and the need for effective management strategies to mitigate widespread health crises.

25) Training:
Training pertains to the process of teaching or developing skills. In the context of healthcare, training healthcare personnel is crucial for effective diagnosis and treatment of non-communicable diseases, thereby improving health outcomes and alleviating economic burdens on affected families.

26) Account:
Account refers to the explanation or narrative of experiences or financial events. In research, accounts of health expenditures and their relationship to poverty highlight essential insights into how healthcare access and costs impact low-income households facing chronic disease burdens.

27) Science (Scientific):
Science denotes systematic knowledge, including the study of health and disease. In examining non-communicable diseases, scientific research provides evidence for understanding their impact on poverty dynamics, forming the basis for informed strategies addressing health inequities in at-risk populations.

28) Nature:
Nature refers to the inherent characteristics or essential qualities of a phenomenon. Understanding the nature of non-communicable diseases and their socioeconomic impact is crucial for evaluating their contributions to poverty, thereby guiding effective public health interventions.

29) Indian:
Indian references may pertain to research or studies from India that provide comparative perspectives on tackling non-communicable diseases and poverty. Such international insights can inform Malaysian policies aimed at managing similar public health challenges.

30) Hand:
Hand refers to manual effort or assistance. In public health, it can signify the necessity for community engagement and support systems in addressing health issues. Understanding how hands-on support can mitigate the impact of non-communicable diseases on poverty is crucial.

31) Chan:
Chan likely refers to one of the authors or researchers involved in the study. Recognizing contributors emphasizes the collaborative effort in conducting research that informs policies related to the intersection of health and poverty in vulnerable populations.

Other Science Concepts:

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Discover the significance of concepts within the article: ‘Non-Communicable Diseases Impact Low-Income Households in Malaysia’. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:

Education, Health, Investigation, Conclusion, Older people, Chronic illness, Causal relationship, Household, Regression, Urban area, Public health, Chronic condition, Breast cancer, Group, Diabetes mellitus, Healthcare, Healthcare system, Result, Diabetes, Elderly, Formal education, Young people, Statistical analysis, Poverty, Gender, Health care, Psychological stress, Medical expenses, Occupation, Research, Primary education, Age-group, Random sampling, Poverty line, Poverty level, Rural area, Sample size, World Health Organization, P Value, Socioeconomic factors, Financial burden, Cardiovascular disease, Elderly individuals, Sampling method, Hypertension, Socio-economic factors, Non-communicable disease, Significant level, Odds ratio, Confidence interval, Cross-sectional survey, Health factors, Standard deviation, Cancer treatment, Ethical approval, Policy development, Hypercholesterolemia, Health issue, Economic impact, Risk factor, Demographic factors, NCD, Healthcare access, Prevalence, Regression coefficient, Odd ratio, Health insurance, Logistic regression, Education Level, Primary care, Health expenditure, Risk, Environmental variables, Descriptive analysis, Employment status, Healthcare cost, High Prevalence, Healthcare expenditure, Income level, Logistic regression model, Standard error, Occupation status, Economic cost, Household income, Survey data, Urban and rural, Health financing, Logistic regression analysis, Social protection, National Health and Morbidity Survey, Low income, Health equity, Household size, Income group, Dependent variable, Independent variable, Goodness of fit, Policy approaches, Health costs, Healthcare provision, Financial protection, Socio-economic disparities, Economic repercussions, World Bank, Health Characteristics, Public hospital.

Concepts being referred in other categories, contexts and sources.

Member, Indian, Table, Study, Literature, Medical, Living quarters, Action, Status, Causal effect, Expenditure, Government, Analysis, Secondary education, Characteristic, Chinese, Plan, Method, Unemployment, Strategies, South Africa, Government servant, Authorities.

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