Cardiometabolic risk in students of the nutrition and dietetics career

The cardiometabolic risk describes the probabilities of a person to suffer a heart or blood vessels damages. Hence the relevance of determining this type of risk in the students of the Nutrition and Dietetics career of the Technical University of Babahoyo. For this purpose, indicators such as waist circumference, waist/height formula, sex, body mass index, waist-height index ICE, physical activity and inductive-deductive method were measured in a population of 100 students. It was found that the predominant nutritional status in female students is overweight and obesity. This indicates that 29% of female students have an increased cardiovascular risk. With regard to cardiometabolic risk, it was determined that female students had a rate of 36%, compared with male students with 11%. Keywords: cardiometabolic risk factors, overweight, obesity. References [1]Organización Mundial de la Salud, «www.who.int. Non communicable diseases,» 2018. [Online]. Available: https://www.who.int/es/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/non-communicable-diseases. [Last access: August 25, 2021]. [2]J. Maldonado, C. Carranza, M. Ortiz, C. Gómez and N.Cortés, «Prevalencia de factores de riesgo caardiometabólico en estudiantes de la Universidad de la región centroocidental en la Universidad Michoacana San Nicolás de Hidalgo. México,» SCIELO, vol. 24, nº 2, pp. 78-86, 2013. [3]M. Morales, «Influence of phisical activity and nutritional habits on the risk of metabolic syndrome,» SCIELO, vol. 6, 2016. [4]G. Morales, T. Castillo, S. Muñoz, C. Belma, A. Soto, I. Schifferli and F. Guillén, «Asociación entre factores de riesgo cardiometabólicos, actividad física y sedentarismo, » Nutrición Hospitalaria, vol. 34, nº 6, pp. 1345-1352, 2017. [5]Organización Mundial de la Salud, «Obesidad y sobrepeso,» 2021. [Online]. Available: https://www.who.int/es/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/obesity-and-overweight. [Last access: August 29, 2021]. [6]G. Bray, G. Fruhbeck, D. Ryan and J. Wilding, «Management of obesity,» Lancet, vol. 387, nº 7, pp. 1847-1956, 2016. [7]A. Caicedo Paliz, A. León Fierro and K. Zambrano Llaguno, Protocolo de diagnóstico y manejo multidisciplinario de pacientes con sobrepeso y obesidad en la consulta ambulatoria, Quito: Universidad San Francisco de Quito, 2021. [8]INEC, «Encuesta Nacional de Salud y Nutrición (ENSANUT),» INEC, Quito, 2018. [9]N. Britto Núñez and R. Alcázar Carett, «Obesidad y riesgo cardiometabólico. Revisión.,» CIMEL, vol. 16, nº 2, pp. 106-113, 2011. [10]J. Vandervelde, H. Savelberg, N. Schaper and A. Koster, «Moderate activity and fitness not sedentary time are independently associated with cardiometabolic risks in US adults aged 18-49,» Environ Resident Public Health, vol. 12, pp. 2330-2343, 2015. [11]V. Carson and I. Janssen, «Volume, patterns and types of sedentary behavior and cardiometabolic health children and adolescents: a cross sectional study,» BMC Public Health, vol. 186, pp. 186-195, 2011. [12] T. Rendo Urteaga, A. De Moraes, T. Callesse y T. Marrios, «The combined effect of physical activity and sedentary behaviors on a clustered cardiometabolic risks score. The Helena Study,» Internal Cardiology, vol. 186, pp. 186-195, 2015. [13]R. Monroy Torres, C. Aguiklera Juarez and J. Nares, «Riesgo cardiometabólico en adolescentes con y sin obesidad: variables metabólicas, nutricionales y consumo de refresco,» revista Mexicana de trastornos Alimentarios, vol. 9, nº 1, pp. 24-33, 2018. [14]OMS, «estrategia Mundial sobre el régimen alimentario, actividad física y salud,» 2017. [Online]. Available: https://www.who.int/diethysicactivity/pa/es.[Last access: August 30, 2021]. [15]A. Alvarado Sánchez, A. González Yebra and M. Macías, «Correlaciones de factores de riesgo cardiometabólicio e hipoactividad con indice corporal y circunferencia de cintura en trabajadores del sector cuero y calzado de la ciudad de León,» Jóvenes en la ciencia, vol. 3, nº 2, pp. 1-5, 2017. [16]SEEDO, «Consenso SEEDO para la evaluación del sobrepeso y la obesidad. Revista Española de Obesidad, » 2007. [Online]. Available: https://www.seedo.es/images/site/documentacionConsenso/Consenso_SEEDO_2007 pdf. [Last access: August 21, 2021].

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Prevalence of Risk Factors of Non-Communicable Diseases in the Sultanate of Oman: STEPS Survey 2017

10.21203/rs.3.rs-22519/v1 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Adhra Al-Mawali ◽

Sathish Kumar Jayapal ◽

Magdi Morsi ◽

Waleed Al-Shekaili ◽

Avinash Daniel Pinto ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Risk Factors ◽

Vegetable Intake ◽

Communicable Diseases ◽

Overweight And Obesity ◽

Blood Cholesterol ◽

Public Health Issue ◽

Sultanate Of Oman ◽

Non Communicable Diseases ◽

Biological Risk

Abstract Background Non-Communicable Diseases (NCD) represent a major public health issue and currently are the cause of 71% of deaths globally and 72% deaths in Oman. Hence, there is a need for comprehensive, up-to-date and internationally comparable data on NCD risk factors in order to evaluate the effectiveness of ongoing public health policies and to develop further NCD prevention and control interventions. The aim of the study was to provide evidence-based, up-to-date, extensive, and reliable baseline data on the behavioural and biological risk factors of NCDs in the Sultanate of Oman.Methods A cross-sectional community‐based survey designed to be nationally representative of the Sultanate of Oman was conducted based on the WHO STEPwise approach to Surveillance (STEPS). Multi-stage stratified random sampling according to geographical distribution selected a total of 9053 households (Omani nationals and non-Omani residents). Cluster sampling was used and symmetric equal number of blocks were chosen in each governorate with 823 households chosen from each governorate and one eligible adult selected from each household randomly. The survey used demographic and behavioural information questionnaires along with physical and biochemical measurements among adults aged 18 years and above.Results The prevalence of behavioural risk factors such as tobacco use was 9%, alcohol consumption was 2%, insufficient fruit or vegetable intake was 61%, and insufficient physical activity was 39%. The prevalence of biological risk factors such as overweight and obesity was 66%, raised blood pressure was 33%, raised blood glucose was 16%, and raised blood cholesterol was 36%. The prevalence of multiple risk factors was also determined and 95% of the population were found to have more than one risk factor. Three or more risk factors were found among 33% of population aged 18–69 years and 45% of the population aged 45 years.Conclusions These findings are important to support the formulation and implementation of NCD-related policies and action plans that improve health status and prevent mortality due to NCDs in the Sultanate of Oman.

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Prevalence of Risk Factors of Non-Communicable Diseases in the Sultanate of Oman: STEPS Survey 2017

10.21203/rs.3.rs-22519/v2 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Adhra Al-Mawali ◽

Sathish Kumar Jayapal ◽

Magdi Morsi ◽

Waleed Al-Shekaili ◽

Avinash Daniel Pinto ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Risk Factors ◽

Vegetable Intake ◽

Communicable Diseases ◽

Overweight And Obesity ◽

Blood Cholesterol ◽

Public Health Issue ◽

Sultanate Of Oman ◽

Non Communicable Diseases ◽

Biological Risk

Abstract Background Non-Communicable Diseases (NCD) represent a major public health issue and currently are the cause of 71% of deaths globally and 72% deaths in Oman. Hence, there is a need for comprehensive, up-to-date and internationally comparable data on NCD risk factors in order to evaluate the effectiveness of ongoing public health policies and to develop further NCD prevention and control interventions. The aim of the study was to provide evidence-based, up-to-date, extensive, and reliable baseline data on the behavioural and biological risk factors of NCDs in the Sultanate of Oman. Methods A cross‐sectional community‐based survey designed to be nationally representative of the Sultanate of Oman was conducted based on the WHO STEPwise approach to Surveillance (STEPS). Multi-stage stratified random sampling according to geographical distribution selected a total of 9053 households (Omani nationals and non-Omani residents). Cluster sampling was used and symmetric equal number of blocks were chosen in each governorate with 823 households chosen from each governorate and one eligible adult selected from each household randomly. The survey used demographic and behavioural information questionnaires along with physical and biochemical measurements among adults aged 18 years and above. Results The prevalence of behavioural risk factors such as tobacco use was 9%, alcohol consumption was 2%, insufficient fruit or vegetable intake was 61%, and insufficient physical activity was 39%. The prevalence of biological risk factors such as overweight and obesity was 66%, raised blood pressure was 33%, raised blood glucose was 16%, and raised blood cholesterol was 36%. The prevalence of multiple risk factors was also determined and 95% of the population were found to have more than one risk factor. Three or more risk factors were found among 33% of population aged 18 years and above and 45% of the population aged 45 years and above. Conclusions These findings are important to support the formulation and implementation of NCD-related policies and action plans that improve health status and prevent mortality due to NCDs in the Sultanate of Oman.

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Prevalence of risk factors of non-communicable diseases in the Sultanate of Oman: STEPS survey 2017

PLoS ONE ◽

10.1371/journal.pone.0259239 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 16 (10) ◽

pp. e0259239

Author(s):

Adhra Al-Mawali ◽

Sathish Kumar Jayapal ◽

Magdi Morsi ◽

Waleed Al-Shekaili ◽

Avinash Daniel Pinto ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Risk Factors ◽

Vegetable Intake ◽

Communicable Diseases ◽

Overweight And Obesity ◽

Blood Cholesterol ◽

Public Health Issue ◽

Sultanate Of Oman ◽

Non Communicable Diseases ◽

Biological Risk

Background Non-communicable diseases (NCD) represent a major public health issue and currently cause 185.75 deaths per 100,000 population in Oman. Hence, there is a need for comprehensive, up-to-date and internationally comparable data on NCD risk factors in order to evaluate the effectiveness of ongoing public health policies and to develop further NCD prevention and control interventions. The aim of the study was to provide evidence-based, up-to-date, extensive, and reliable baseline data on the behavioural and biological risk factors of NCDs in the Sultanate of Oman. Methods A cross‐sectional, prospective, observational community‐based survey designed to be nationally representative of the Sultanate of Oman was conducted based on the WHO STEPwise approach to Surveillance (STEPS). Multi-stage stratified random sampling according to geographical distribution selected a total of 9053 households (Omani nationals and non-Omani residents). Cluster sampling was used to randomly select equal clusters from each governorate. 823 households were randomly selected from the list of all households in all selected clusters from each governorate and one eligible adult selected from each household randomly accounting for 6582 consenting participants. The survey used demographic and behavioural information questionnaires along with physical and biochemical measurements among adults aged 18 years and above. Results The prevalence of behavioural risk factors such as tobacco use was 9%, alcohol consumption was 2%, insufficient fruit or vegetable intake was 61%, and insufficient physical activity was 39%. The prevalence of biological risk factors such as overweight and obesity was 66%, raised blood pressure was 33%, raised blood glucose was 16%, and raised blood cholesterol was 36%. The prevalence of multiple risk factors was also determined and 95% of the population were found to have more than one risk factor. Three or more risk factors were found among 33% of population aged 18 years and above and 45% of the population aged 45 years and above. Conclusion A high prevalence of various NCD risk factors was found which needs to be addressed through health promotion, education, and policy. The findings are important to support the formulation and implementation of NCD-related policies and action plans that improve health status and prevent mortality due to NCDs in Oman.

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Determinants of Obesity and Metabolic Health in the Afghan Population: Protocol, Methodology, and Preliminary Results

Journal of Epidemiology and Global Health ◽

10.1007/s44197-021-00026-0 ◽

2022 ◽

Author(s):

Mohammad Sediq Sahrai ◽

Inge Huybrechts ◽

Carine Biessy ◽

Sabina Rinaldi ◽

Pietro Ferrari ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Dietary Patterns ◽

Communicable Diseases ◽

Lifestyle Factors ◽

Metabolic Health ◽

Overweight And Obesity ◽

Health Staff ◽

Non Communicable Diseases ◽

Increased Risk ◽

Family Medical History

Abstract Background Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) cause more than 70% of deaths worldwide and share modifiable risk factors including obesity and metabolic abnormalities. Over the past 15 years, many changes in lifestyle, dietary patterns, physical activity, and socioeconomic status have been observed in the Afghan population. This study aims to investigate which specific lifestyle factors, dietary patterns, and characteristics of Westernization are associated with an increased risk of being overweight or obese and with poor metabolic health in the Afghan population. Methods A population-based cross-sectional study was conducted where a total of 729 male and female participants were recruited. Face-to-face interviews and anthropometric measurements were conducted by trained health staff using standardized questionnaires which included information on socio-demographic and housing characteristics, income, occupation, ethnicity, personal and family medical history, stress, anthropometry, diet, and physical activity. Bioelectric impedance analysis (BIA) was used to estimate body composition, including overall body fatness. Physical activity was measured using the short version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). For a comprehensive assessment of dietary intake, a food-frequency questionnaire (FFQ) specific to the Afghan population was developed which included all local food items relevant to the population. Lipid profile and fasting glucose were measured in a local laboratory. Biospecimens were collected using dried blood spots (DBS) and dried stool cards to perform microbiome and biomarker-based research. Discussion This is the first study which will assess dietary patterns, lifestyle factors, and their association with obesity and metabolic health in Afghanistan. Such a study will aid the development of dietary and lifestyle guidelines in Afghanistan which will promote better health and educate people to make healthy food choices. The findings will also help in designing and implementing effective public health strategies to promote a healthy lifestyle and prevent the epidemic of overweight and obesity, and, hence, reduce the burden of non-communicable diseases in the region.

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Prevalence of Risk Factors of Non-Communicable Diseases in Oman: STEPS Survey 2017

10.21203/rs.2.20937/v1 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Adhra Al-Mawali ◽

Sathish Kumar Jayapal ◽

Magdi Morsi ◽

Waleed Al-Shekaili ◽

Avinash Daniel Pinto ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Risk Factors ◽

Vegetable Intake ◽

Communicable Diseases ◽

Overweight And Obesity ◽

Blood Cholesterol ◽

Public Health Issue ◽

Sultanate Of Oman ◽

Non Communicable Diseases ◽

Biological Risk

Abstract Background Non-Communicable Diseases (NCD) represent a major public health issue and currently are the cause of 71% of deaths globally and 72% deaths in Oman. Hence, there is a need for comprehensive, up-to-date and internationally comparable data on NCD risk factors in order to evaluate the effectiveness of ongoing public health policies and to develop further NCD prevention and control interventions. The aim of the study was to provide evidence-based, up-to-date, extensive, and reliable baseline data on the behavioural and biological risk factors of NCDs in the Sultanate of Oman. Methods A cross‐sectional community‐based survey designed to be nationally representative of the Sultanate of Oman was conducted based on the WHO STEPwise approach to Surveillance (STEPS). Multi-stage stratified random sampling according to geographical distribution selected a total of 9053 households (Omani nationals and non-Omani residents). Cluster sampling was used and symmetric equal number of blocks were chosen in each governorate with 823 households chosen from each governorate and one eligible adult selected from each household randomly. The survey used demographic and behavioural information questionnaires along with physical and biochemical measurements among adults aged 18 years and above. Results The prevalence of behavioural risk factors such as tobacco use was 9%, alcohol consumption was 2%, insufficient fruit or vegetable intake was 61%, and insufficient physical activity was 39%. The prevalence of biological risk factors such as overweight and obesity was 66%, raised blood pressure was 33%, raised blood glucose was 16%, and raised blood cholesterol was 36%. The prevalence of multiple risk factors was also determined and 95% of the population were found to have more than one risk factor. Three or more risk factors were found among 33% of population aged 18-69 years and 45% of the population aged 45 years. Conclusions These findings are important to support the formulation and implementation of NCD-related policies and action plans that improve health status and prevent mortality due to NCDs in the Sultanate of Oman.

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Determinants of Obesity and Metabolic Health in the Afghan Population: Protocol, Methodology and Preliminary Results

10.21203/rs.2.23970/v1 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Mohammad Sediq Sahrai ◽

Inge Huybrechts ◽

Carine Biessy ◽

Sabina Rinaldi ◽

Pietro Ferrari ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Dietary Patterns ◽

Communicable Diseases ◽

Lifestyle Factors ◽

Metabolic Health ◽

Overweight And Obesity ◽

Health Staff ◽

Non Communicable Diseases ◽

Increased Risk ◽

Family Medical History

Abstract Background: Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) cause more than 70% of deaths worldwide and share modifiable risk factors including obesity and metabolic abnormalities. Over the past 15 years many changes in lifestyle, dietary patterns, physical activity and socioeconomic status have been observed in the Afghan population. This study aims to investigate which specific lifestyle factors, dietary patterns and characteristics of Westernization are associated with an increased risk of being overweight or obese and with poor metabolic health in the Afghan population.Methods: A population-based cross-sectional study was conducted where a total of 729 male and female participants were recruited. Face to face interviews and anthropometric measurements were conducted by trained health staff using standardized questionnaires which included information on socio-demographic and housing characteristics, income, occupation, ethnicity, personal and family medical history, stress, anthropometry, diet and physical activity. Bioelectric impedance analysis (BIA) was used to estimate body composition, including overall body fatness. Physical activity was measured by using the short version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). For a comprehensive assessment of dietary intake, a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) specific to the Afghan population was developed which included all local food items relevant to the population. Lipid profile and fasting glucose were measured in a local laboratory. Biospecimens were collected using dried blood spots (DBS) and faecal occult blood test (FOBT) cards to perform microbiome and biomarker-based research.Discussion: This is the first study which will assess dietary patterns, lifestyle factors and their association with obesity and metabolic health in Afghanistan. Such a study will aid the development of dietary and lifestyle guidelines in Afghanistan which will promote better health and educate people to make healthy food choices. The findings will also help in designing and implementing effective public health strategies to promote a healthy lifestyle and prevent the epidemic of overweight and obesity, and hence, reduce the burden of non-communicable diseases in the region.

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A Study On Determinants Of Obesity In Children Between 5-15 years of Age

VIMS Health Science Journal ◽

10.46858/vimshsj.7105 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 7 (1) ◽

pp. 17-22

Author(s):

Dr. Prasad Bijaspur ◽

Dr. Sharad Agarkhedkar ◽

Dr. Geeta Karambelkar

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Childhood Obesity ◽

Dietary Habits ◽

Communicable Diseases ◽

Overweight And Obesity ◽

Calorie Intake ◽

Public Health Issue ◽

Healthy Children ◽

Non Communicable Diseases ◽

Obesity In Children

Background: Childhood obesity is one of the most serious public health issue. The prevalence of obesity is increasing both in developing and in developed countries. The global prevalence of overweight and obesity in children aged 5 -17 years is 10%, In India it is 22% among children between 5 to 19 years. The key causes of childhood obesity are unhealthy dietary habits and reduced physical activity. The adoption to sedentary lifestyle and unhealthy dietary habits increases the risk of overweight/obesity and non communicable diseases such as insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and metabolic syndrome like dyslipidemia, cardiovascular risks stroke and hypertension. Objective: To assess the BMI, various factor influencing BMI and to correlate these factors in children between 5 to 15 years age irrespective of sex and ethnicity. Methodology: Study included 648 healthy children after fulfilling inclusion criteria ,there socio-demographic information, diet history, history regarding daily physical activity, sedentary behaviour, time spent for recreational activities was taken and there height, weight was recorded and BMI was calculated . By using standardized IAP GROWTH CHARTS children were categorised as underweight, normal, overweight/ obese. Result: Prevalence of overweight was 14% and obesity was 7.3% in children between 5 to 15 years of age. Conclusion: Adolescent age ,children belonging to upper and upper middle socioeconomic status, family history of non-communicable diseases, Calorie intake more than RDA for age, Protein consumption less than RDA for age, consumption of mix diet (veg + non veg), less consumption of a balanced diet, lack of physical activity were associated with overweight and obesity.

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Instagramming our way through public health communication: why and who is using it?

European Journal of Public Health ◽

10.1093/eurpub/ckaa165.079 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽

Author(s):

R Vareda ◽

T Garcia ◽

J Rachadell

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Social Media ◽

Health Promotion ◽

Health Professionals ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Communicable Diseases ◽

Healthy Lifestyles ◽

Communication Tool ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Non Communicable Diseases

Abstract Background From disease prevention to health promotion, communication is key for Public Health (PH) practice and, according to the 9th Essential Public Health Operation its goal is to improve populations health literacy and capacity to access, understand and use information. Though social media is frequently presented as a potentially useful tool for PH communication, there is a lack of evidence about its effectiveness and impact on PH outcomes. This study researches Instagram® as a PH tool and aims to know who is using it, what content is shared on the platform and how much engagement there is. Methods This cross-sectional study regards information on 1000 Instagram® posts with the hashtags publichealth, publichealthpromotion, healthpromotion, publichealthmatters and publichealtheducation. Authors categorized post content and creators, and reviewed the number of likes and comments per post to determine engagement. Data analysis was performed on IBM SPSS® Statistics. Results The most common content categories were communicable diseases (n = 383), non-communicable diseases (n = 258) and healthy lifestyles (n = 143). Health professionals post more about communicable diseases (43,6%) and non-professionals about healthy lifestyles (36,1%). Non-professionals (n = 191) post about PH issues almost as much as health professionals (n = 220) and PH associations (n = 201). Most don't reference their sources (n = 821). Posts on communicable diseases have the most likes and comments per post (mean of 172 likes and 3,1 comments). Conclusions Half the Instagram® posts analysed in this study were made by health professionals or organizations. Communicable diseases, non-communicable diseases and healthy lifestyles were the most frequent content categories and had the most engagement. The majority of posts didn't reference their sources. Though Instagram® seems to be a potential PH communication tool, further research is needed to confirm its benefits for PH. Key messages Social media platforms like Instagram® are potentially powerful tools for PH communication. There is a need to understand the efficacy of social media as health promotion tools.

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The European Association for the Study of Obesity (EASO) Endorses the Milan Charter on Urban Obesity

Obesity Facts ◽

10.1159/000514218 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1-6

Author(s):

Michele O. Carruba ◽

Luca Busetto ◽

Sheree Bryant ◽

Antonio Caretto ◽

Nathalie J. Farpour-Lambert ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Social Stigma ◽

National Level ◽

Well Being ◽

Communicable Diseases ◽

Urban Environments ◽

Shared Responsibility ◽

Access To Treatment ◽

Non Communicable Diseases ◽

Health Goals

The Milan Charter on Urban Obesity highlights the challenges of urban environments as a battleground for human health, as cities are often organized to subvert public health goals, and promote rather than prevent the development of obesity and consequent non-communicable diseases. The Charter articulates ten principles which detail actions and strategies through which general practitioners, diverse medical specialists, related healthcare professionals, administrators and healthcare practice managers, policy actors – within health systems and at a national level – along with experts across disciplines, and citizens, can work in cooperation to meet this challenge and improve public health. The Charter urges the adoption of decisions that deliver the following: (i) policies which enable our cities to become healthier and less obesogenic, more supportive of well-being and less health-disruptive in general, and (ii) policies that fully support primary prevention strategies, that address social stigma, and that ensure fair access to treatment for people living with obesity. The Milan Charter on Urban Obesity aims to raise awareness of our shared responsibility for the health of all citizens, and focuses on addressing the health of people living with obesity – not only as a challenge in its own right, but a gateway to other major non-communicable diseases, including cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes, and some cancers.

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The Implementation of Childhood Obesity Related Policy Interventions in Malaysia—A Non Communicable Diseases Scorecard Project

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph18115950 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (11) ◽

pp. 5950

Author(s):

Wilfred Kok Hoe Mok ◽

Noran Naqiah Hairi ◽

Caryn Mei Hsien Chan ◽

Feisul Idzwan Mustapha ◽

Thamil Arasu Saminathan ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Childhood Obesity ◽

Communicable Diseases ◽

Overweight And Obesity ◽

Current Status ◽

Non Communicable Diseases ◽

Modified Delphi ◽

Policy Interventions ◽

Non Governmental Organizations ◽

The Government

(1) Background: The prevalence of overweight and obesity among children has increased tremendously in the ASEAN region, including Malaysia. In Malaysia, the National Strategic Plan for Non-Communicable Diseases (2015–2025) provides the overall framework for its response to the non-communicable diseases (NCD) epidemic. Preventing childhood obesity is one of the key strategies for early intervention to prevent NCDs. The objective of this research is to examine the current status of policy interventions in addressing childhood obesity in Malaysia. (2) Methods: A panel of 22 stakeholders and experts from Malaysia, representing the government, industry, academia and non-governmental organizations, were sampled using a modified Delphi technique. Data were collected using a modified NCD scorecard under four domains (governance, risk factors, surveillance and research and health systems response). A heat map was used to measure the success of the four realms of the NCD scorecard. For each domain of the NCD scorecard, the final score was grouped in quintiles. (3) Results: A total of 22 participants responded, comprising of eight (36.4%) males and 14 (63.4%) females. All the domains measured in implementing policies related to childhood obesity were of low progress. Nine governance indicators were reported as 22.5% (low progress), four in the risk factors domain, and two in the surveillance. This shows that timely and accurate monitoring, participatory review and evaluation, and effective remedies are necessary for a country’s surveillance system. (4) Conclusion: Although Malaysia has published several key strategic documents relating to childhood obesity and implemented numerous policy interventions, we have identified several gaps that must be addressed to leverage the whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach in addressing childhood obesity in the country.

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