In Malaysia, the health landscape is increasingly marred by the prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), a growing concern echoed through the findings of the National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) 2023. This comprehensive study has revealed that over 2 million individuals in the country are grappling with three primary types of NCDs—diabetes, hypertension, and high cholesterol. These conditions pose significant risks, not merely to individual health, but to the broader public health system.
Stunningly, the survey indicates that more than half a million adults—2.5 per cent of the Malaysian adult population—are contending with a concerning combination of four NCDs, which also includes obesity. The intertwined nature of these diseases exacerbates the risk of severe health issues such as heart disease and stroke, conditions that are already leading causes of mortality within the nation.
The NHMS, executed by the Institute for Public Health under the Ministry of Health, uncovered alarming statistics regarding the prevalence of these diseases. Approximately 5.1 per cent of adults were found to have diabetes, hypertension, and high cholesterol simultaneously. Furthermore, 1.2 per cent had a combination of diabetes, hypertension, and obesity; 0.4 per cent suffered from diabetes alongside high cholesterol and obesity; and finally, 2.9 per cent were affected by hypertension, high cholesterol, and obesity.
Diabetes, in particular, has emerged as a leading cause of death in Malaysia. The data illustrates that around 3.6 million adults—15.6 per cent of the population—are living with diabetes. Disturbingly, two out of five adults are not aware of their diabetic status, which is a critical oversight in managing this disease effectively. Among those who are aware of their condition, two out of five possess a glucometer at home, yet over half of them do not maintain good blood sugar control.
The NHMS report underlines that diabetes prevalence escalates with age; however, a significant number of younger adults remain undiagnosed. A staggering 84 per cent of young adults aged 18 to 29 are unaware that they have diabetes. This trend is particularly troubling as undiagnosed NCDs in younger demographics can precipitate serious health complications later in life.
Hypertension is another pressing issue facing Malaysian adults. The survey found that approximately 6.7 million adults, or 29.2 per cent—effectively one in three—have hypertension, characterised by a persistent blood pressure reading of 140/90 mmHg or higher. Alarmingly, only 17.3 per cent are aware they have this condition; an even more concerning figure is the 11.9 per cent who remain oblivious to their hypertension status. The greatest proportion of these unaware individuals falls within the 18 to 39 age bracket.
Among those knowledgeable about their hypertension, a robust 91 per cent are on medication to manage their blood pressure. However, only 48 per cent have their condition under control, maintaining readings below the critical threshold of 140/90 mmHg. Interestingly, while 44 per cent own a blood pressure measuring device for home use, only 89 per cent of those utilise it at least once daily.
High cholesterol presents another silent threat to Malaysian health. The NHMS revealed that nearly 7.5 million adults—33.3 per cent of the population—have high cholesterol levels. Alarmingly, half of these individuals are unaware of their condition. High cholesterol typically manifests without symptoms but significantly heightens the risk for cardiovascular diseases.
The NHMS 2023 findings also highlight a concerning trend regarding health screenings. Two in five adults aged 18 and above did not undergo any form of health screening in the past year for diabetes, hypertension, or high cholesterol. The reasons for this negligence are varied: 90 per cent felt healthy, 84 per cent indicated they exhibited no symptoms, and 39 per cent cited time constraints as a barrier.
Cancer screening remains equally critical; it stands as the fourth leading cause of death in Malaysia. The report uncovered some disheartening statistics: 46 per cent of women aged 18 and older did not conduct breast self-examinations in the past year. Even more troubling is that 71 per cent of women aged 40 and above have never undergone a mammogram, while 65 per cent of women aged 20 and older have not had a pap smear in the past three years.
Furthermore, an alarming statistic reveals that about 88 per cent of adults aged 50 and above have never had a faecal occult blood test—a crucial procedure for detecting hidden blood in stools that can indicate colorectal cancer.
The NHMS NCDs Survey for 2023 was conducted between July and September last year and included a study sample comprising over 13,600 respondents. The overall response rate was commendably high at 83.2 per cent.
The implications of these findings are profound and warrant urgent attention from both healthcare providers and policymakers alike. Experts stress that early detection and proactive management of NCDs can drastically reduce morbidity and mortality rates associated with these conditions.
The NHMS findings serve as a clarion call for improved public health initiatives aimed at increasing awareness about diabetes, hypertension, and high cholesterol among Malaysians. Emphasis must be placed on regular screening and education regarding these silent killers that often go unnoticed until it is too late.
It’s clear that a collaborative effort—spanning government bodies, healthcare professionals, and community organisations—is essential to turn the tide on these preventable diseases. Raising awareness about the importance of regular health screenings cannot be overstated; it may very well save lives and lead to healthier communities across Malaysia.
Such initiatives should also target younger populations where undiagnosed cases are alarmingly high. By fostering an environment where health is prioritised from an early age, Malaysia can hope to address its burgeoning NCD crisis effectively.
As we move forward, it’s imperative that these insights from the NHMS guide health policies and community health efforts aimed at reducing the impact of NCDs on Malaysian society. With concerted action and informed choices, there lies potential for improvement in public health outcomes across the nation.
