Impact of public health lecture intervention on consumption behaviour towards indigenous staple carbohydrate foods

Background: The increase in non-communicable diseases (NCDs) experienced more in the developing countries can be attributed to changes in demography (rural to urban migration) and changes in pattern of food consumption. With the increasing incidences in diabetes globally, dietary restrictions and modifications in consumption behaviors still remains the bedrock in the prevention and management of the disease. Specific education to prevent or manage people’s lifestyle in order to combat NCDs such as diabetes are widely available, but assessment of knowledge about dietary fiber and its impact on staple foods consumption is largely unexplored.Methods: This study utilized nutritional education as an intervention strategy to bring about changes in consumers consumption behaviour, changing their perspective in consumption of root and tuber crops in relation to wheat in the study area. The intervention involved public health lecture on the nutrition values of staple carbohydrate root and tuber crop foods (cassava and yam) with focus on their dietary fibre content, relative to wheat.Results: The statistical analysis showed that there is a significant difference in the dietary habits in urban and in rural areas. Intervention resulted in shift in consumption behavior towards indigenous staple carbohydrate food crops. The changes in behavior were more obvious in urban dwellers, especially in favour of cassava consumption.Conclusions: Education or information targeted to correct the consumption behaviour of specific group of individuals stands a chance in impacting and improving their food choices and dietary behaviours.

At what age group blood pressure discontinue to increase? An assessment using change-point analysis.

Aim To study at what age group blood pressure ceases to increase for women and men Methods Applying change-point technique, we used our existing database - mega base-line cross-sectional Hulu Langat Health Study that was initiated in 2000 - to locate the most appropriate age limit in planning promotive, preventive and controlling strategies against systolic hypertension. Results Systolic hypertension was found to be constantly increasing for both gender right from the early age until the middle age group. However, women achieved the systolic peak 15 years earlier (at 41-45 years old) than men (at 56-60 years old). Systolic blood pressure was steadily declined after the peak. Conclusions Hypertension intervention, we recommend age before 40 (women) and 55 (men) be the most appropriate period to apply various public health intervention, after that, the action must be exclusively curative.