Urban-Rural Discrepancies of low-income Women-headed Households in Malaysia

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Malaysia's rapid economic growth and rising living costs have affected the lives of lower-income B40. This population group acquire less than 3,855 Malaysian Ringgit (892.26 US Dollars) per month. This study aims to determine the health status, quality of life (QOL) and needs of B40 women in an urban and rural area in Malaysia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 300 B40 women from Beranang (Selangor) and Kuala Lumpur (KL), Malaysia, participated in a cross-sectional study concerning their needs, health status, and QOL using semi-guided instruments. Bivariate and multivariate analyses identified QOL and health status factors. RESULTS: Rural (OR=10.68; 95% CI=1.85-61.10) and poor urban participants (OR=8.54; 95% CI 2.36-15.62), with the higher income households were healthier. Government hospital patients in Beranang were healthier (OR=9.52; 95% CI=2.64-24.10). Staying alone (OR = 8.33; 95% CI=2.94-25.00) and non-recipient of government aid, Bantuan Sara Hidup (BSH) (OR=3.85; 95% CI=1.10-13.43) was associated with poor health status among KL poor B40 women. B40 women's QOL was predicted by marriage (OR=14.28; 95% CI=1.81-24.54), not staying alone (OR=2.04; 95% CI=1.13-5.88), recipient of BSH (OR = 28.83; 95% CI=10.11-71.13), and absence of an underlying disease (OR=5.90; 95% CI=1.26-33.93). Meanwhile, the odds of meeting B40 women needs was associated with lower ages (40-49 years) (OR=21.00; 95% CI 2.25-34.56), absence of an underlying diseases (OR=32.10; 95% CI 4.62-124.56), recipient of BSH (OR=30.49; 95% 5.92-64.01), and married status (OR=19.61; 95% CI 1.42-27.15). CONCLUSION: B40 women's QOL, health status, and ability to meet basic needs in Beranang and KL are diverse. Policymakers and relevant authorities should consider these factors to improve the QOL and health status of B40 women and women-headed households in Malaysia.