Hypercholesterolemia Prevalence, Awareness, Treatment and Control among the Elderly: The 2011 National Health and Morbidity Survey, Malaysia

Aims: This study provides population-based estimates on the prevalence, awareness, treatment and control rates of hypercholesterolemia among the elderly in Malaysia.

Study Design: Analysis of secondary data from a cross sectional population-based survey was done.

Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted throughout Malaysia in 2011.

Methodology: A total of 2764 respondents (15.5%) were selected in this study; the elderly subjects are from the secondary data analysis of 60 years and older.

Results: The overall prevalence of hypercholesterolemia was 55.4%. The awareness rate for hypercholesterolemia was 39.5%. Out of those who were aware, treatment with medication was conferred to 77.7%. Control rate for hypercholesterolemia was 53.8%. Utilising multiple logistic regression analysis, factors associated with higher awareness rate of hypercholesterolemia were urban residents, secondary education level and Indian ethnicity; the factor associated with higher treatment rates was government/semi government employees; factors associated with higher control rate were males and Indian ethnicity.

Conclusion: The overall prevalence, treatment and control rate of hypercholesterolemia among the elderly in Malaysia were high in comparison to awareness rate in this population.