Health-seeking behaviour of Myanmar migrant workers in Penang, Malaysia

Authors

Mila Nu Nu Htay, Department of Community Medicine, Melaka-Manipal Medical College, Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), Melaka, Malaysia,Follow
Lwin Mie Aye, Community Medicine Department, International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur, MalaysiaFollow
Lin Phyo Phyo San, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University Tunku Abdul Rahman, Kuala Lumpur, MalaysiaFollow
Zay Yar Naing, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University Tunku Abdul Rahman, Kuala Lumpur, MalaysiaFollow
Soe Moe, Department of Community Medicine, Melaka-Manipal Medical College, Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), Melaka, MalaysiaFollow

Abstract

Introduction: The rapid development of socio-economic status in Malaysia has become a driving force to increase the influx of foreign migrant workers. This study aimed to explore the health-seeking behaviour of Myanmar migrant workers in Malaysia by identifying the common illnesses, types of accidents occurred, types of healthcare providers being sought and factors influencing health-seeking behaviour. Method: The crosssectional survey was conducted in Penang, Malaysia in 2017. The respondents were recruited by a convenient sampling method and interviewed by using the pre-tested questionnaire. The data were analysed using SPSS version 24.0. Results: The commonest form of illnesses they suffered from were common cold (27.22%), musculoskeletal pain (25.65%), indigestion, and stomachache (18.32%). A minority of the respondents reported accidents (14.7%); among them, domestic accidents were reportedly common (77.8%). The proportion of workers who sought health services at public hospitals and clinics when they fell sick was 54%. Factors that were significantly associated with the health-seeking behaviour were education (p = 0.047) and mode of transport to health facilities (p = 0.018). Conclusion: Migrant workers with lower educational status and those who used public transport were more likely to seek healthcare in clinics and hospitals. Improving awareness on their health insurance coverage and accessibility to health services are essential to have equity in healthcare

Recommended Citation

Htay, Mila Nu Nu; Aye, Lwin Mie; San, Lin Phyo Phyo; Naing, Zay Yar; and Moe, Soe (2020) "Health-seeking behaviour of Myanmar migrant workers in Penang, Malaysia," Manipal Journal of Medical Sciences: Vol. 5: Iss. 1, Article 3.
Available at: https://impressions.manipal.edu/mjms/vol5/iss1/3