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H E A L T H C A R E D E M A N D V O L U M E III

population chose to not go to any facility and traditional/complementary/ alternative facility
(Table 2.7).

Across the states, Perlis (94.2%; 95% CI, 91.5 - 96.1) had the highest population who preferred
government facilities if they require major surgery followed by Kelantan and Kedah. On the
contrary, those in Pulau Pinang (37.2%; 95% CI, 29.2 - 45.9), WP Kuala Lumpur and Selangor
preferred private facilities.

Government facilities were the preferred choice for those living in rural area (90.6%; 95% CI,
88.8 - 92.1); Malaysians (79.5%; 95% CI, 78.0 - 80.9); widow/ widower/ divorcee (87.5%; 95%
CI, 84.4 - 89.8) whereas those living in urban area (25.2%; 95% CI, 23.4 - 27.0); Chinese (39.6%;
95% CI, 36.4 - 42.9); non-Malaysians (30.6%; 95% CI, 25.3 - 36.4); those with tertiary education
(34.3%; 95% CI, 31.8 - 36.9) preferred private facilities.

As age increases, there was an increasing trend towards the private facilities until age group of
35 - 39 and 40 - 44. Subsequently, a decreasing trend was observed as age increases.
The same increasing trend was also observed for the household income. As household income
increases, there was an increment in the trend towards private facilities.

2.2.5 Dental Treatment

2.2.5.1 Government Dental Facility
More than 60% (61.2%; 95% CI, 59.4 - 62.9) of the population preferred to seek oral
healthcare at government dental facilities in the last 12 months. A higher prevalence
was observed in the rural population (78.9%, 95% CI, 76.1 - 81.5) and those with no
formal education (74.9%; 95% CI, 69.4 - 79.7).

In addition, a higher prevalence was seen in the aged group 75 and above (76.5%; 95%
CI, 71.8 - 80.6) as compared to other age groups except those in the age range of 18 – 19
and 60 to 74. Subsequently, there was a down going trend with the increase of age.

Notably, a lower prevalence was observed among the Chinese (39.4%; 95% CI, 36.0 -
42.8) and those with a gross monthly income of RM10,000 and above (27.2%; 95% CI,
23.0 - 31.9) (Table 2.8). There was a shift of preference from government to private
facilities as education level and household income increases.

2.2.5.2 Private Dental Facility

More than a third of the population (37.3%; 95% CI, 35.6 - 39.0) preferred to seek oral
healthcare at private dental facilities in the last 12 months. The prevalence was higher
among the urban population (43.0%; 95% CI, 40.9 - 45.1) and those of Chinese ethnicity
(59.2%; 95% CI, 55.7 - 62.5). There was an increasing trend towards the private facilities
as age increases until the age group of 35-39 (43.7%; 95% CI, 40.3 - 47.3).

A higher proportion of those with tertiary level education (56.1%; 95% CI, 53.6 - 58.6)
and notably those with a gross monthly income of RM10,000 and above (71.2%; 95% CI,
66.4 - 75.6) also preferred to seek oral healthcare at private dental facilities.

STRY OF HEALTH MALAYSIA
NATIONAL HEALTH AND MORBIDITY SURVEY 2015 47 MINI