ETHNIC-SPECIFIC MORTALITY PATTERNS IN MALAYSIAN PUBLIC HOSPITALS: UNVEILING DISPARITIES AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR INTERVENTION

Abstract

Mortality rates vary among Malaysian subpopulations, and socioeconomic variables are thought to play a major role in these variations.  However, since these factors are intimately linked to the population’s ethnic makeup, understanding the variation in mortality requires an examination of the causes of death across various ethnic groups.  Using population-based data from the national health data warehouse, this study analyzed ethnic-specific causes of mortality in 135 public hospitals in Malaysia, stratified by selected demographics.  Utilizing an innovative visual summary, we present a general mortality pattern across the study period, highlighting the causes of death stratified by age, gender and ethnicity.  Out of 10,029,045 inpatients, 2.3% died.  The main causes of in-hospital deaths were infection-related, followed by cardiovascular diseases, including stroke and its sequelae.  While causes of death showed ethnic variations, but with advancing age there was a convergence.  By emphasizing the different ways that mortality impacts the various Malaysian ethnic groups, this study highlights the need for targeted public health interventions.  Specifically, efforts should focus on reducing cardiovascular disease mortality among Bumiputeras and Indian-Malaysians, and cancer-related mortality among Chinese-Malaysians.