Optimizing gestational weight gain (GWG), Malaysia

Objectives

1. Develop training materials for the lifestyle programme

2. Train nutritionists and nurses to deliver the lifestyle programme

3. Evaluate the lifestyle programme

Approach

A technical expert group consisting of the project steering committee, local experts and representatives from local health authorities will develop training materials for a lifestyle programme promoting healthy gestational weight gain. The training module consists of two parts: A training module for nurses / nutritionists (promoting healthy pregnancy weight gain) and a training module for nutritionists (managing insufficient / excessive gestational weight gain cases).

All 400 nutritionists working at public maternal and child health clinics across Malaysia will participate in training facilitated by core project staff and technical experts. Based on this training, the nutritionists will train 9,120 nurses selected from the clinics.

A strong monitoring framework will ensure comprehensive monitoring of trainings and programme findings through process evaluation, impact evaluation and outcome evaluation. Feedback will be obtained from nutritionists and nurses though evaluation forms after the training programmes. Impact evaluations will be conducted on outcome measures (anthropometry, dietary intake and physical activity) at each trimester of pregnancy. The effectiveness of the lifestyle programme will be measured by monitoring the incidence of GDM.

Project results will be presented at a national conference.

Results at completion

367 nutritionists and 15,096 nurses trained at public maternal and child health clinics across Malaysia
22,000 pregnant women enrolled in the programme for healthy gestational weight gain
32% of pregnant women achieved recommended gestational weight gain at the end of inter-vention
8% reduction in the incidence of GDM