The purpose of this research is to provide context to an analysis of secondary data of Martin Tracy's (1991) survey of Income Programs for the elderly in Malaysia. To this end, the paper will cover two areas of research: (1) usage of medical programs by third world countries in general and the elderly in particular; and (2) fatalism. Since Tracy's data was of 100 elderly Muslim Malaysians (known to often hold fatalistic attitudes), an attempt is mad to determine whether the exiting literature evidences an association between fatalistic attitudes and usage of medial services.
An analysis of available statistics and medical services among Malaysian elderly was conducted by Sushama (1985). While the author notes that 3 percent of the Malaysian population is over 65, no real data is provided on medical service usage. However, it is noted that the elderly poor are eligible for an allowance of M$50.00 per month and that the Department of Social Welfare has established 8 homes for the elderly with places for 2,465 people. Religious organizations provide homes for 3,000 more. However, it is stated that he elderly sick are often abandoned in hospitals because, if non-ambulatory, they are not eligible for care in these homes.
Although Malaysia is not specifically discussed in an article on health care usage in third world countries authored by Evans, Lashman, Hall and Warford (1981), the point is mae that analysis of statistical data collected by The World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF, shows that the need for health care services in low income third world countries like Malaysia have not only been significantly higher than middle income and industrialized countries, it has also shown a sharp increase over a period from 1976 to 1979. Simultaneously, public expenditures for services is minimal. No usage data is provided but the elderly are said to be particularly at risk for poor or inadequate services.
One promising attem...