DEVELOPMENT OF A SCHOOL-BASED INTERVENTION MODULE IN REDUCING OVERWEIGHT AND OBESITY AMONG ADOLESCENTS IN MALAYSIA.

Background: The worldwide prevalence of overweight and obesity among children and adolescents aged five to 19 years has increased substantially from 4% in 1975 to over 18% in 2016. School is a good setting for implementing childhood obesity interventions through nutrition education and practice, policy and supportive environment as well as physical activity promotion. This paper will discuss the development of a school-based intervention module in reducing overweight and obesity among adolescents. Materials and Methods: A school-based intervention module was developed based on Social Cognitive Theory as the determinants are likely to determine behaviour change. Face and content validity was conducted to improve the relevance, acceptability and quality of the module. A pilot test was done to ensure it is feasible to be implemented at the school level. Expected Result: The school-based intervention is effective to reduce overweight and obesity among the participants. Conclusion: The school-based intervention module was developed and validated. This intervention module would be implemented and assessed for its effectiveness. If proven effective, the intervention module would be useful for improvement in the school health programme. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]