Jurnal NERS
Vol. 21 No. 3 (2026): VOLUME 21 ISSUE 3 (AUGUST 2026)

Evaluating the impact of school-based and community interventions on childhood obesity in Malaysia: A systematic review

Johari daud makajil (Universiti Malaysia Sabah)
Mohd Firdaus Mohd Hayati (Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia)



Article Info

Publish Date
31 Aug 2026

Abstract

Introduction: Childhood obesity is an increasing public health concern in Malaysia, contributing to long-term risks, such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and reduced quality of life. School- and community-based interventions have been implemented to improve dietary practices, physical activity, and behavioral changes among children and adolescents. This systematic review aimed to evaluate the impact of school- and community-based interventions on childhood obesity in Malaysia. Methods: This systematic review followed the PRISMA 2020 guidelines. The literature search was updated in June 2026 and covered PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science for studies published from January 2014 to December 2024. Eligible studies involved Malaysian children and adolescents aged 5–18 years and examined school- or community-based obesity prevention or management interventions. Methodological quality was assessed using Joanna Briggs Institute tools, and findings were synthesized narratively. Results: Twenty studies met the inclusion criteria of this review. School-based interventions commonly combine nutrition education, structured physical activity, and behavioral support, whereas community-based approaches involve family participation, digital tools, and environmental support. Multi-component programmes showed improvements in BMI or BMI-for-age z-score, dietary behavior, physical activity, and sedentary time, particularly when reinforced by parents or through digital platforms. However, variations in intervention duration, outcome measures, and implementation fidelity Conclusions: School- and community-based interventions show potential for reducing childhood obesity risk in Malaysia. Future programs should apply standardized outcome measures, longer follow-ups, culturally appropriate strategies, and multisectoral collaborations to strengthen sustainability and scalability.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

JNERS

Publisher

Subject

Nursing

Description

The scope of this journal includes studies that intend to examine and understand nursing health care interventions and health policies which utilize advanced nursing research. The journal also committed to improve the high quality research by publishing analytic techniques, measures, and research ...