Abstract
Objective: The purpose of this study is to explore the factors influencing access to healthcare services among Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) patients enrolled in the PEKA B40 programme at a public health clinic in Melaka, Malaysia. It aims to examine how key dimensions—availability, accessibility, accommodation, and acceptance—affect patients’ experiences and the utilisation of diabetes-related healthcare services. This study also seeks to identify gaps and challenges within the current healthcare delivery system, particularly for low-income populations, to inform strategies for improving equitable and sustainable access to care. Methods: This study was conducted in a public health clinic in Melaka, Malaysia. Purposive sampling was used among T2DM patients under the “Health Care Scheme for Group B40” programme in a public health clinic in Melaka, Malaysia. The study included participants with at least a 6-month history of T2DM to ensure substantial experience in accessing healthcare services. Results: Fifteen patients participated in this study. Elderly individuals, retirees, and those with average incomes demonstrated higher healthcare service utilisation. Ethnic diversity was crucial, revealing its impact on health behaviours and healthcare-seeking patterns. Primary or secondary education levels among participants highlighted the necessity for targeted health literacy efforts. Conclusions: This study highlighted notable awareness and satisfaction among patients concerning the availability, accessibility, and accommodation of services, particularly emphasising the importance of geographical proximity in healthcare services. However, challenges faced by elderly individuals in accessing social support are also highlighted. The potential of enhancing the amenities of healthcare facilities to improve patient experiences is also reflected in our results. These insights provide evidence for the effectiveness of the Malaysian healthcare system in catering to a diverse demographic and can also be helpful in refining healthcare strategies and further optimising patient-centred care in Malaysia.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Article number | 817 |
| Pages (from-to) | 1-12 |
| Number of pages | 12 |
| Journal | International journal of environmental research and public health |
| Volume | 22 |
| Issue number | 6 |
| Early online date | 22 May 2025 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published (in print/issue) - 30 Jun 2025 |
Bibliographical note
Publisher Copyright:© 2025 by the authors.
Data Access Statement
The data presented in the study are stored securely at the School of Pharmacy, International Medical University. The investigators act as custodians for the data processed and generated by the study and they are also responsible for the access to any information included. Data are available upon request from the corresponding author. Due to privacy and institutional regulations, the data are not publicly accessible.Keywords
- access to care
- diabetes
- primary care
- health equity
- Malaysia
- Poverty
- Humans
- Middle Aged
- Sustainable Development
- Male
- Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/therapy
- Female
- Adult
- Aged
- Health Services Accessibility/statistics & numerical data
- Health Equity
- Health Services Accessibility
- Access To Care
- Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2
- Diabetes
- Primary Care
