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AIM This article describes the methodology of the 2018 Malaysian National Health and Morbidity Survey, and provides an overview of the sociodemographic details of the respondents and key findings on the health of older adults. METHODS The survey included 3977 community-dwelling respondents, aged ≥60 years across Malaysia. Two-stage stratified random sampling with selection of enumeration blocks from both urban and rural areas ensured the findings were representative of the Malaysian older population. RESULTS Complex sampling analyses ensured that findings on various geriatric syndromes, non-communicable diseases, nutritional status, functional status, social well-being and quality of life are representative of the Malaysian older population. Among the limitations are that the composition of older persons varied slightly from the general older population. CONCLUSIONS This article presents the methodology of the survey, and a baseline of the major health issues for older persons in Malaysia to provide clear guidance to researchers, program managers and policymakers to fully utilize the data from the Malaysian National Health and Morbidity Survey toward achieving healthy aging. The findings might stimulate more research on the health problems faced by older people to provide inputs for policymaking and program implementation. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2020; 20: 7-15.

Aim This study aimed to determine the factors that influence perceived social support among older adults in Malaysia. Methods We used the 11-item Duke Social Support Index to assess perceived social support through a face-to-face interview. Higher scores indicate better social support. Linear regression analysis was carried out to determine the factors that influence perceived social support by adapting the conceptual model of social support determinants and its impact on health. Results A total of 3959 respondents aged ≥60 years completed the Duke Social Support Index. The estimated mean Duke Social Support Index score was 27.65 (95% CI 27.36-27.95). Adjusted for confounders, the factors found to be significantly associated with social support among older adults were monthly income below RM1000 (-0.8502, 95% CI -1.3523, -0.3481), being single (-0.5360, 95% CI -0.8430, -0.2290), no depression/normal (2.2801, 95% CI 1.6666-2.8937), absence of activities of daily living (0.9854, 95% CI 0.5599-1.4109) and dependency in instrumental activities of daily living (-0.3655, 95% CI -0.9811, -0.3259). Conclusion This study found that low income, being single, no depression, absence of activities of daily living and dependency in instrumental activities of daily living were important factors related to perceived social support among Malaysian older adults. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2020; 20: 63-67.

Background: Anaemia is one of the most common public health problems. Globally, the most affected group is women of reproductive age. This study aims to describe the prevalence of anaemia among Malaysian adults. Methods: Data were obtained from the National Health and Morbidity Survey 2015, a population-based study. This study used a cross-sectional design with a nationally representative sample. Respondents aged 15 years and above from the selected livings quarters and who gave their consent, were recruited in this study. Haemoglobin level was measured using HemoCue® Hb 201+ System© point-of-care testing based on capillary blood sample. Data analysis was conducted using IBM SPSS software version 21 taking into consideration the complex sampling design. Results: There were 19,908 out of 21,445 respondents who participated in this study. The response rate towards point-of-care screening method was good except for those of young age and Chinese ethnicity. The overall prevalence of anaemia was 24.16% (95% CI: 23.16-25.19) with an estimated projection to 4,858,646 people. The prevalence of anaemia for the specific groups were 34.75% (95% CI: 33.09-36.46), 34.67% (95% CI: 33.02-36.37), 35.27% (95% CI 33.15-37.45) for non-pregnant women (15-49), women of reproductive age and older adults (≥ 60) respectively. Anaemia was positively associated with female sex (aOR=2.84; 95% CI: 2.62-3.07), Indian ethnicity (aOR=1.54; 95% CI: 1.31-1.80), those who were currently not working (aOR=1.11; 95% CI: 1.02-1.20) and age (aOR: 1.01; 95% CI: 1.00-1.01). Conclusion: Anaemia is a significant health problem that should be monitored periodically especially among women of reproductive age and the elderly. Preventive measures such as iron supplementation should thus be started from the younger population.