Page 22 - nhms2016 maternal and child findings

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National Health And Morbidity Survey 2016 : Maternal And Child Health (MCH) Volume II : Findings

waste disposal, 6.8% and unsanitary latrines, 6.2%. Among those children with
diarrhoea 45.0% were treated with ORS packets, while 41.4% received antibiotics, and
25.5% received both (Table 4.3.2.2).

4.3.2.3. Acute Respiratory Infection (ARI)

This survey reported 0.9% of children aged 0-59 month have symptoms of acute
respiratory infection (ARI) in the past 2 weeks preceding the survey. The prevalence
was slightly higher in males at 1.1% compared to females at 0.8%. By age group, the
highest prevalence of ARI was noted among children aged 12-23 months (1.6%),
followed by children aged 24-59 months (0.8%) and 0-11 months (0.6%). According to
the ethnic groups, Other Bumiputras had the highest prevalence at 2.6%, followed by
others (2.1%), Chinese (0.7%), Malays (0.6%), and Indians (0.3%). The prevalence
was higher among Permanent Residents/ Non-Malaysians (2.4%) compared to
Malaysian citizens (0.9%). Children whose parents received no formal/ primary
education had higher prevalence of ARI. Children from the lowest household income
(less than RM1000) were reported to have had higher prevalence of ARI (1.8%).
Among those with ARI, more than half, (60.2%) were treated at public facilities, whilst
31.4% from private facilities, 2.7% received treatment elsewhere and 5.5% did not
seek any advice or treatment. Antibiotics were given to 62.8% of these children. (Table
4.3.2.3).

4.3.2.4. Either one or both episodes of diarrhoea & ARI in the past two weeks

About 5.2% of children reported having had either diarrhoea or ARI in this study. Higher
prevalence were observed among males (5.3%), children from age 12-23 months
(8.3%), Other Bumiputras (10.5%), permanent residents/ non-Malaysian (7.5%) and
parents with no formal or primary level education. The prevalence of children who had
both diseases was 0.2%. No significant difference was observed between gender, age
and ethnicity. All children who had both diseases were Malaysian citizens (0.2%). In
addition, parents with no formal or primary level education status were found to have
children with the highest prevalence of both diseases. Children with the lowest
household income (RM1000-RM1999) were reported to have had higher prevalence
of diarrhoea and ARI (0.3%) (Table 4.3.2.4).

4.3.3. Conclusion

In conclusion, 4.4% of children aged 0-59 months were reported to have had an episode of diarrhoea
in the past two weeks, 0.9% had symptoms of ARI, 5.2% had either diarrhoea or ARI; while 0.2% had
both diseases.