Experiences of Elderly Living with Noncommunicable Diseases in Utilizing Health Services in Myanmar During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Issued Date
2025-08-01
Resource Type
ISSN
19077505
eISSN
24600601
Scopus ID
2-s2.0-105019172723
Journal Title
Kesmas Jurnal Kesehatan Masyarakat Nasional
Volume
20
Issue
3
Start Page
204
End Page
212
Rights Holder(s)
SCOPUS
Bibliographic Citation
Kesmas Jurnal Kesehatan Masyarakat Nasional Vol.20 No.3 (2025) , 204-212
Suggested Citation
Chei N.E., Amnatsatsue K., Chansatitporn N., Bunngamchairat A. Experiences of Elderly Living with Noncommunicable Diseases in Utilizing Health Services in Myanmar During the COVID-19 Pandemic. Kesmas Jurnal Kesehatan Masyarakat Nasional Vol.20 No.3 (2025) , 204-212. 212. doi:10.7454/kesmas.v20i3.2364 Retrieved from: https://repository.li.mahidol.ac.th/handle/123456789/112791
Title
Experiences of Elderly Living with Noncommunicable Diseases in Utilizing Health Services in Myanmar During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Author's Affiliation
Corresponding Author(s)
Other Contributor(s)
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic and armed conflicts in Myanmar have intensified the challenges in accessing and utilizing health services, particularly for noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) among older adults. This qualitative study explored the experiences of the elderly with NCDs regarding health service accessibility and utilization in secure areas with fully operational health facilities by conducting in-depth interviews with 20 eligible older adults in Myanmar; data were analyzed using content analysis. Four key themes emerged: NCD service utilization patterns; unmet needs; preferences and hesitancy toward NCD services; and disparities, barriers, and opportunities. The findings revealed widespread underutilization of NCD services due to several factors, including geographic inaccessibility, lack of telemedicine, absence of nearby primary health care, inaccessibility of preferred specialists, quality of care issues, high costs, inadequate communication by providers, and insufficient support for healthcare appointments. In conclusion, strengthening elderly-friendly NCD services in Myanmar requires improving accessibility, affordability, care quality, and communication to reduce unmet needs and support healthy aging.