Gender differences in health-seeking behavior: Insights from the National Health and Morbidity Survey 2019

Devi Shantini Rata Mohan and Suhana Jawahir and Adilius Manual and Nur Elina Abdul Mutalib and Sarah Nurain Mohd Noh and Iqbal Ab Rahim and Jabrullah Ab Hamid and Awatef Amer Nordin (2025) Gender differences in health-seeking behavior: Insights from the National Health and Morbidity Survey 2019. BMC Health Services Research, 25 (900). pp. 1-13. ISSN 1472-6963

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Abstract

Health-seeking behavior involves actions taken by individuals who feel unwell to seek remedies and varies based on cognitive and non-cognitive factors like sex, age, socioeconomic status, and access to healthcare. Gender roles significantly impact health outcomes with the COVID-19 pandemic further accentuating the gender disparity in public health compliance. Using secondary data from a national health survey, this article aims to assess the gender-based characteristics and factors influencing health-seeking behavior among the population in Malaysia. Methods This study was a secondary data analysis of the NHMS 2019, a cross-sectional national health survey using Andersen’s Behavioral Model. It evaluated factors influencing self-medication and treatment-seeking based on socio-demographics, enabling conditions, and perceived health needs. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression models were conducted to identify factors influencing health-seeking behavior among men and women. Results This study analyses the health-seeking behaviors of 10,933 Malaysian adults, representing 19.7 million people. The overall prevalence of sickness was 16.1% (95% CI = 14.8–17.4), with higher rates in women (18.1%; 95% CI = 95% CI = 16.3–19.9). Among those who were sick, 56.4% (95% CI = 52.9–60.0) sought professional treatment while 23.0% (95% CI = 19.8–26.2) self-medicated. Regression analysis showed that urban women and those rating their health poorly were more likely to seek professional care, while Chinese, those with no formal education, and retiree women were more likely to self-medicate. Among males, those with long-term condition are more likely to seek treatment while students were less likely to self-medicate compared to private employees. Conclusion The study reveals significant gender and sociodemographic disparities in health-seeking behavior amongst Malaysian men and women. The factors that influence these health-seeking behavior is unique for each gender. This emphasizes the importance of targeted interventions which are gender-sensitive to address structural inequities and achieve equitable healthcare utilization across all demographic groups in Malaysia.

Item Type:	Article
Keyword:	Health-seeking behavior, Gender, Equity, Malaysia
Subjects:	G Geography. Anthropology. Recreation > GN Anthropology > GN1-890 Anthropology > GN301-674 Ethnology. Social and cultural anthropology > GN406-517 Cultural traits, customs, and institutions > GN478-491.7 Social organization R Medicine > RA Public aspects of medicine > RA1-1270 Public aspects of medicine > RA421-790.95 Public health. Hygiene. Preventive medicine > RA773-788 Personal health and hygiene Including clothing, bathing, exercise, travel, nutrition, sleep, sex hygiene
Department:	FACULTY > Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences
Depositing User:	JUNAINE JASNI -
Date Deposited:	03 Sep 2025 11:14
Last Modified:	03 Sep 2025 11:14
URI:	https://eprints.ums.edu.my/id/eprint/45082

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