Kesmas: Jurnal Kesehatan Masyarakat Nasional (National Public Health Journal)
Vol. 20, No. 3

Experiences of Elderly Living with Noncommunicable Diseases in Utilizing Health Services in Myanmar During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Chei, Nway Eint (Unknown)
Amnatsatsue, Kwanjai (Unknown)
Chansatitporn, Natkamol (Unknown)
Bunngamchairat, Ariya (Unknown)



Article Info

Publish Date
29 Aug 2025

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.

Copyrights © 2025






Journal Info

Abbrev

publication:kesmas

Publisher

Subject

Health Professions Public Health

Description

The focus of Kesmas is on public health as discipline and practices related to preventive and promotive measures to enhance the public health through a scientific approach applying a variety of technique. This focus includes areas and scopes such as Biostatistics, Environmental Public Health, ...