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. 2017 Sep 29;17(1):756.
doi: 10.1186/s12889-017-4793-7.

Prevalence and determinants of disability among adults in Malaysia: results from the National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) 2015

Noor Ani Ahmad  1 , Noraida Mohamad Kasim  2 , Nur Azna Mahmud  2 , Yusniza Mohd Yusof  3 , Salimah Othman  4 , Ying Ying Chan  2 , Mohamad Aznuddin Abd Razak  2 , Muslimah Yusof  2 , Maisarah Omar  2 , Fazly Azry Abdul Aziz  2 , Rasidah Jamaluddin  2 , Norazizah Ibrahim Wong  2 , Tahir Aris  2
Affiliations

Prevalence and determinants of disability among adults in Malaysia: results from the National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) 2015

Noor Ani Ahmad et al. BMC Public Health. .

Abstract

Background: Reliable national data on disability which is internationally comparable is needed in Malaysia. This study aims to examine the prevalence of disability among adults in Malaysia and its determinants, particularly the socioeconomic factors and comorbidities.

Methods: This study was based on the disability module, which is part of the National Health and Morbidity Survey 2015. This survey was implemented using a multi-stage stratified sampling design. A locally validated Washington Group questionnaire was used to collect data on disability.

Results: Based on the definition of having at least one domain scored "a lot of difficulty or unable to do at all" or at least "some difficulty" scored in two domains, the prevalence of disability among adults in Malaysia was 11.8% (95% CI: 11.15, 12.53). Logistic regression analysis performed showed that population at risk of having disability in Malaysia were those of older people, ethnic minority, low level of education, single, obese, physically inactive and having mental health problems. Among older people, disability was significantly higher among those with no formal education, having mental health problems and physically inactive.

Conclusions: The prevalence of disability among adults in Malaysia is comparable to WHO estimates and most developing countries. Planning for healthcare services should consider at-risk population, particularly older people and those from disadvantaged background to ensure equity healthcare.

Keywords: Disability; Malaysia; Population-based survey; Washington group.

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Conflict of interest statement

Ethics approval and consent to participate

This survey was reviewed and approved by the Medical Research and Ethics Committee, Ministry of Health Malaysia (NMRR-14-1064-21,877). All respondents were provided with information sheet and a copy of signed consent form. For those who are illiterate, the information sheet and consent form were read to them and thumb print was taken to replace signature.

Consent for publication

Not applicable.

Competing interests

The authors declare that they have no competing interests.

Publisher’s Note

Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.

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