EFFECT OF COMMUNITY BASED HEALTH PROGRAM ON BODY MASS INDEX OF ADULTS LIVING IN HULU LANGAT DISTRICT, MALAYSIA

Abstract

Background: Overweight and obesity is a major public health concern worldwide. The increasing prevalence of overweight and obesity had increased the risks of non-communicable diseases across all ages. Physical activity and dietary change are two important components of any lifestyle intervention to reduce body mass index (BMI). The objective of this study was to assess the effect of health intervention program on the BMI among local community in Hulu Langat district, Malaysia. 

Materials and Methods: This was a one arm pre and post quasi-experimental study. The lifestyle intervention took place three times a week for three months started from July to September 2018 and was implemented as part of KOSPEN activity. Data were analysed using IBM SPSS Version 26.0 included descriptive statistics and Wilcoxon Signed Ranks Test to compare the outcome changes at baseline and post intervention. 

Result: Twenty six eligible participants were recruited in the program. Majority of the respondents were female (76.9%), married (96.2%), employed (84.6%) with median age of 46 years old. At baseline, the respondents’ median weight was 75.5kg and median BMI was 29.2 kg/m2. At 3 month post intervention, the respondents’ median body weight had reduced to 68.1kg (p=0.004) whereas the median BMI had reduced to 26.9 kg/m2 (p=0.006). There was no signification change in blood pressure and blood glucose level post intervention in comparison with the baseline results.

Conclusion: The community based health program had demonstrated significant BMI reduction among the respondents. Cohort study with bigger sample size and longer study period is recommended in future.

Keywords: community based health program, Body Mass Index (BMI), Malaysia