A Comparative Analysis of Acute Respiratory Infection Outpatient Visits by Age Group in Selected Areas of Melaka and Johor

Acute respiratory infection (ARI) is a common respiratory condition that contributes to outpatient healthcare utilisation across different age groups. This study aimed to compare outpatient visits for ARI among three age groups, namely <12 years, 13–59 years, and >60 years, at selected sentinel clinics in Melaka and Johor from 2015 to 2018. Data were obtained from daily outpatient visit reports at Klinik Kesihatan Bukit Rambai, Melaka (KKBR), Klinik Kesihatan Bandar Maharani, Johor (KKBM), and Klinik Kesihatan Bandar Penawar, Johor (KKBP). Descriptive analysis was used to determine the distribution, mean, and standard deviation of outpatient visits according to age group. A one-way ANOVA was performed to determine whether outpatient visits differed significantly among the three age groups, followed by Duncan’s post-hoc test for multiple comparisons. The findings showed significant differences in outpatient visits among the three age groups at all three sentinel clinics (p<0.01). The 13–59-year age group consistently recorded the highest mean outpatient visits at Klinik Kesihatan Bukit Rambai (M=12.51, SD=5.86), Klinik Kesihatan Bandar Maharani (M=104.88, SD=52.75), and Klinik Kesihatan Bandar Penawar (M=15.24, SD=8.90), compared with the <12-year and >60-year age groups. During the study period, Muar showed a continuous increase in outpatient visits, whereas Bukit Rambai and Bandar Penawar showed fluctuating annual trends. Differences in healthcare-seeking behaviour between age groups may partly explain the observed pattern, although healthcare-seeking behaviour was not directly measured in this study. In conclusion, outpatient visits for ARI differed significantly by age group across the three study areas, with individuals aged 13–59 years consistently recording the highest outpatient attendance. The findings demonstrate an age-related variation in ARI outpatient visits and highlight the importance of considering differences between age groups when interpreting patterns of outpatient healthcare utilisation.

Acute respiratory infection; Outpatient visits; Age groups; Healthcare-seeking behaviour

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