ANN/THE STAR – A survey revealed that two in five Malaysians have not undergone health screenings, hindering early detection and timely action for non-communicable diseases (NCDs), according to public health experts.
The Malaysian National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) 2023 report, released earlier this year, showed that individuals aged 18 and above had not been screened for diabetes, hypertension, or high cholesterol in the past 12 months.
Professor Dr Moy Foong Ming of Universiti Malaya’s Department of Social and Preventive Medicine said early screening allows early management of risk factors through either lifestyle modifications or medical treatment if needed.
“If these risk factors are not picked up and action not taken, serious health conditions such as heart attacks or strokes may occur,” she said.
She also said the risk of contracting diabetes and hypertension increases with age.
Citing the NHMS report, Prof Moy said the biggest number of those who did not know they had diabetes and hypertension were in the 18-39 age groups.
“However, with the overweight and obesity prevalence increasing and affecting adults of all ages, the risk factors can appear earlier,” she said.
Professor Moy said health screenings for adults aged 18 to 29 should be targeted at those with obesity.
“By tackling the issue of being overweight or obese with a healthy lifestyle, these risk factors can be prevented,” she said.
She also proposed that the free health screenings offered by the Social Security Organisation (Socso) for eligible Socso-insured persons be extended to those aged 30 and above.
It is currently eligible for those 40 and above.
The NHMS 2023 report is based on data collected between July and September last year.
A total of 13,616 respondents participated in the survey.
Public health physician Datuk Dr Zainal Ariffin Omar described the statistics on health screenings as very serious and worrying.
“NCDs can start at any age after adolescence, more so in adults and the elderly. Early screening is very important. For young adults, it’s best to have it every few years and yearly for those above 40,” he said.
Dr Zainal added that there can be intervention at the early stages if NCDs are detected early.
“It is more treatable and mitigates the risk of complications.
