title: Dietary modification in a workplace health promotion program in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
abstract: Lifestyle modification is effective in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases. This study aimed to promote healthy lifestyle behaviours to prevent cardiovascular disease. This study was a quasi-experimental trial with a follow up of two years. The intervention group (n = 102) received intensive individual and group counselling on diet and physical activity. The comparison group (n = 84) was given minimal education through mail and group counselling. Following the intervention, both groups reduced their total fat intake through a replacement in carbohydrate intake. The saturated fat and cholesterol intake was also reduced with a larger magnitude in the intervention group. Fruits and vegetables consumption was increased within the intervention group. The intervention group showed a statistically significant reduction in their mean total cholesterol levels with an intervention effect of -0.38 (95% C.I. = -0.63, -0.14) mmol/l. This study has achieved moderate improvement in dietary intakes as well as the total cholesterol of the participants.
authors.affiliation: Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. moyfm@ummc.edu.my
authors.forename: Foong Ming
authors.initials: FM
authors.lastname: Moy
authors.forename: Atiya
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Ab Sallam
authors.forename: Mee Lian
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Wong
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control*; D004032:Diet; D015438:Health Behavior; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008296:Malaysia; D008875:Middle Aged; D009043:Motor Activity / Q000502:physiology; D052756:Nutritional Sciences / Q000193:education; D009786:Occupational Health Services / Q000379:methods*