Publication: Gender Differences in The Prevalence of Anemia Among Working Persons In Malaysia: Results of a Nationwide Household Survey in 2015
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Date
2023
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Abstract
Anemia is one of the most serious public health problems affecting women more than men. This study aims to determine the prevalence and factors associated with anemia among female and male workers in Malaysia. Data from the National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) 2015 was used to es mate the prevalence of anemia among female and male workers aged 15-64 years in Malaysia. Hemoglobin level (Hb) of capillary sample was determined using Hemocue@ point of care (POCT). Socio-demographic data were collected through face-to face interviews. Descriptive analysis and multiple logistic regressions were conducted to tabulate the findings. Prevalence of anemia among female and male working persons were 34.1% (95% CI=32.1, 36.1) and 12.0% (95% CI=10.9, 13.1), respectively. Anemia among female working persons was significantly associated with Indian ethnicity (aOR: 2.37, 95% CI=1.54, 3.66), Malay ethnicity (aOR: 1.48, 95% CI=1.04, 2.11), those who were professionals and technical officers (aOR: 2.08, 95% CI=1.23, 3.51), and skilled workers (aOR: 1.47, 95% CI=1.10, 1.96). While anemia among male counterparts was significantly associated with older age males (aOR: 2.05, 95% CI=1.50, 2.81), those with the regular working day (aOR: 1.50, 95% CI=1.03, 2.18), and staggered working day (aOR: 1.50, 95% CI=1.01, 2.21). The prevalence of anemia among female workers is higher than male workers. The significant factors associated with anemia among female workers are ethnicity and type of occupation. In contrast, age and working time system are the associated factors of anemia among male workers.
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Keywords
Gender, Anemia, Household, Working person, Malaysia