Healthcare seeking behaviour among asnaf in rural areas of Selangor : The role of zakat assistance in healthcare

Study on healthcare-seeking behaviour examines how individuals or groups access the healthcare system and investigates health disparities. In Malaysia, the impoverished segments of the Muslim community, specifically Fuqara’ Asnaf (the needy) and Masakin Asnaf (the poor), receive support from zakat institutions in every states. These institutions provide diverse forms of assistance aim at alleviating poverty. However, socioeconomic factors such as income, education and age can influence their willingness to seek adequate healthcare services, which in turn may affect their daily income and overall quality of life. While zakat assistance is crucial, there is a noticeable lack of studies investigating how these factors impact healthcare-seeking behaviour among Fuqara’ and Masakin Asnaf in Malaysia. This study examines the factors influencing the disparity in healthcare-seeking behaviour among Fuqara’ and Masakin Asnaf in the rural areas of Selangor; Kuala Selangor and Sabak Bernam. It focuses on the impact of socioeconomic, sociodemographic and sociocognitive factors, as well as the role of zakat assistance. Data were collected through a quantitative survey involving a sample of 361 Fuqara’ and Masakin Asnaf, which were then analysed using Statistical Software for Social Sciences (SPSS) and Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM). The findings of the study reveal that socioeconomic factors, sociodemographic variables, sociocognitive influences, perceived attributions, perceptions of severity and perceived advantages all significantly enhance healthcare seeking behaviour. Notably, the perception of severity emerges as the most critical factor that influences the decision to seek healthcare. However, zakat assistance does not have a positive influence on the healthcare-seeking behaviour of Fuqara’ and Masakin Asnaf. The findings of this study provide valuable insights for authorities and zakat institutions. These insights may aid Fuqara’ and Masakin Asnaf in significantly enhancing their quality of life related to healthcare