Lifestyle modification practice in rural community at Kedah in Malaysia: A cross sectional study

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Lifestyle modification practice which includes weight reduction, salt restriction, physical activity, smoking cessation and consuming healthy food is the foundation of prevention and control of chronic diseases. This non pharmacological approach can be an initial treatment of some non-communicable diseases (NCDs) before the start of a medication or in conjunction to a medication. This study was conducted to establish the knowledge and practice regarding lifestyle modification among a rural community. Material and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted by using structured questionnaires among 60 respondents in village ‘Kampung Baru’ in Sungai Petani town at Kedah state in Malaysia from September 1 to October 30, 2017.Simple random sampling was used to select study subjects. Their knowledge and practice regarding lifestyles modification were assessed. Data were analyzed through Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). Results: The study revealed that the mean ± SD age of respondents was 43.4 ± 19.17 years. Among the respondents 79.9% had good basic knowledge regarding lifestyle modification practices. 96.6% received formal education. Respondents with monthly income of more than 1000 Ringgit (58.3%) were more likely to practice good lifestyle modification practice as compared to those with monthly income of less than 1000 Ringgit. Majority of respondents 38(63.3%) are being involved in physical activity for 30 min per day. The study shows the lower prevalence of overweight (30.2%) and obesity (15.1%) amongst the participants. 83.3% practiced recommended low salt diet, 65% participants are non-smokers and 90% practiced abstinence from alcohol drinking. 56.7% of the respondents were not suffering from any type of illness. Conclusion: In this study majority of the respondents has the positive attitude towards the recommended lifestyle modification practices, while 43.3% respondents are less likely to practice good lifestyle modification. This can be made more effective by sharing the knowledge and attitude, so that a sustainable environment can be created throughout the community.