RESUMO
BACKGROUND: Setting healthy lifestyle habits during the formative years of childhood is critical as habits can track to adulthood and help prevent obesity and chronic disease risks in later life. While multicomponent interventions have been shown to be effective in changing the lifestyle behaviours of children, there is a limited understanding of the feasibility of such interventions in primary schools in Singapore. A multiphase mixed method study was conducted to develop and examine the feasibility of a theory-based multicomponent school-based intervention-Promoting hEatlthy Eating and Active Lifestyle (PEDAL). METHODS: Underpinned by Kincaid's ideation model, the PEDAL intervention was developed to increase fruit and vegetable consumption and decrease sedentary behaviours among children. This study consists of three phases. Phase 1 details the development of PEDAL, which consists of four components: (A) a series of interactive health education lessons, (B) actionable home activities to support habit formation, (C) parental/guardian engagement, and (D) optimising the school environment. In Phase 2, components A and B of PEDAL were implemented in two public, co-educational primary schools among Primary 5 students (aged 10-12 years) in Singapore. Data was collected quantitatively using questionnaires and qualitatively using focus group discussions (FGDs) with students and teachers. The feasibility dimensions of components A and B, including recruitment capability, data collection, social validity, and practicality were examined, and ideation on healthy eating and physical activity was explored. In Phase 3, the full PEDAL intervention was pilot-tested in two other public, co-education primary schools with the same target population, using a concurrent mixed method quasi-experimental study design. Feasibility dimensions and potential effectiveness of the intervention will be assessed. DISCUSSION: This study will provide insights into the feasibility of PEDAL and inform its refinement. Findings from the pilot test will guide the planning of a larger-scale definitive trial. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Registered with ISRCTN registry (ISRCTN16114046) on 16 October 2022.
RESUMO
OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to fill the current gap in the understanding of the knowledge, attitudes and behaviours (KAB) related to dietary Na among adult residents in Singapore. DESIGN: A cross-sectional online survey was conducted between October and December 2020 on 955 participants selected through random sampling. SETTING: The survey was conducted in Singapore. PARTICIPANTS: Participants were recruited from the Singapore Population Health Study Online Panel. RESULTS: Participants' mean age was 46·6 ± 14·1 years old and 58 % of them were females. Most of the participants were Chinese (82·1 %), 10·5 % were Indian and 4·5 % were Malay. Findings from the weighted data showed that most participants were aware of the health impact of high Na consumption. However, many participants were unaware of the recommended intake for salt (68%) and Na (83%), had misconceptions, and were unable to correctly use food labels to assess NA content (69%). Findings also alluded to the presence of knowledge gaps in the sources of Na in their diet. While 59 % of the participants reported to be limiting their consumption of Na, many reported facing barriers such as not knowing how to limit their Na intake. Participants also felt that there were limited options for low-Na foods when eating out and were lacking awareness of low-Na products. CONCLUSIONS: Findings highlighted substantial gaps in participants' knowledge and skills in managing their Na consumption. This suggests the need for more public education and improvements in the food environment.
