Effectiveness of a School-Based, Peer-Led Intervention Program on the Adolescents' Body Composition, Eating Behaviors and Health-Related Quality of Life

• Published in: Annals of nutrition and metabolism 2019-01, Vol.75, p.359
• Main Authors: Ishak, Sharifah Intan Zainun Sharif, Siew, Chin Yit, Shariff, Zalilah Mohd, Mun, Chan Yoke, Taib, Mohd Nasir Mohd
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adolescents; Body composition; Body weight; Childrens health; Eating; Eating behavior; Eating disorders; Emotions; Health promotion; Immunoglobulins; Intervention; Nutrition; Obesity; Overweight; Pediatrics; Public health; Quality of life; Teenagers
• ISSN: 0250-6807; 1421-9697
• DOI: 10.1159/000501751

Background/Aims: The prevalence of overweight and obesity, as well as disordered eating continue to increase dramatically and have become major public health concerns. The 'Eat Right, Be Positive About Your Body and Live Actively' (EPaL) Program is a school-based, peer-led health education intervention program which aimed to promote healthy lifestyle in preventing overweight and disordered eating among secondary school adolescents. This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of the EPaL program on body composition, eating behaviors and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) among a sample of Malaysian secondary school adolescents in Selangor state. Methods: Out of 201 adolescents participated in the study, 76 adolescents (Intervention group, IG: n = 34; Comparison group, CG: n = 42) aged 13–14 were included in the final analysis. All anthropometric measurements were measured by trained researchers, while the adolescents completed a set of questionnaire. All measurements were taken at three-time points [pre-intervention (Pre), after the intervention (Post-I) and 3-month follow-up (Post-II)]. Results: Although there were insignificant changes in BMI z-score, IG reported significantly lower body weight (adjusted mean difference = –1.63 kg; 95% CI = –2.99, –0.26; p = 0.020) at Post-I, and lower uncontrolled eating at Post-II (adjusted mean difference = –2.48; 95% CI = –4.65, –0.32; p = 0.025) compared to CG. While there were insignificant changes in overall HRQOL, the IG reported significantly higher emotional functioning at Post-II (adjusted mean difference = 10.98; 95% CI = 1.07, 20.89; p = 0.030) as compared to CG. Conclusion: The EPaL program contribute to the improvement in the adolescents' body weight, uncontrolled eating and emotional functioning. This study added to the knowledge and evidence on the effectiveness of health interventions in Malaysia.