ABSTRACTS FOR INTERNATIONAL FAMILY HEALTH CONFERENCE 2019 (I-FaH 2019). Health Intervention Towards Community Wellness, Held at Oriental Crystal Hotel, Kajang, Selangor, Malaysia .4-5th September, 2019
Introduction: Obesity, a major risk factor for chronic disease, is a growing problem in Malaysia. Current data from the National Health Morbidity Survey (NHMS) shows that prevalence of overweight for children under five years has increased from 6.5% (NHMS 2011) to 7.6 % (NHMS 2015). Childhood obesity needs to be addressed as studies also have shown that childhood obesity contributes to adult chronic disease. Increase in chronic diseases will cause an increase in health care cost. Intervention programmes are available and currently target schoolchildren and adults. No programme yet targeting at children under five years. This survey was conducted to understand parents level of knowledge with regards to healthy lifestyle among children under-5 years.
Methods: Parents attending Health Clinics in the state of Perak were given self-administered questionnaire.
Results: Twenty two (22) Health Clinics from 11 districts in Perak were involved in the survey. A total of 600 parents or care givers participated. Majority were unaware of good sleep hygiene and screen time limitation.
Conclusion: Awareness of healthy lifestyle for children under 5 years has not been given due attention. Health intervention via promotion is needed for prevention of obesity.