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Prevalence and Factors Associated With Undiagnosed Diabetes Mellitus, Hypertension, and Hypercholesterolemia Among Orang Asli in Malaysia

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are a health challenge among Malaysia’s Orang Asli population. This study examined factors associated with undiagnosed diabetes, hypertension, and hypercholesterolemia using Orang Asli Health Survey (OAHS) 2022 data where 9216 Orang Asli adults participated. OAHS was a nationally representative cross-sectional survey using two-stage stratified random sampling. Data was analysed using SPSS version 29. The prevalence of undiagnosed diabetes, hypertension, and hypercholesterolemia was 11.6%, 20.8%, and 39.9% respectively. Predictors of undiagnosed diabetes included Senoi (aOR 1.83) and Proto-Malay (aOR 2.24) tribes, fringe locality (aOR 1.70), lower education (aOR 1.37), and hypercholesterolemia (aOR 2.23). Undiagnosed hypertension was associated with males (aOR 1.98), age ≥60 years (aOR 4.20), remote locality (aOR 1.58), lower education (aOR 1.52), unmarried (aOR 1.24), obesity (aOR 1.99), and current drinkers (aOR 1.51). Undiagnosed hypercholesterolemia was linked to age 40 to 59 years (aOR 1.21), and Senoi tribe (aOR 2.02). Targeted and culturally tailored interventions are essential.

Source: Asia Pacific Journal of Public Health

DOI: 10.1177/10105395261435159