Promoting Health Through Exercise and Diet: A Pre–Post Study on Reducing Ncd Risk Factors Among Women in Rural Malawi
Abstract:
Introduction: Non communicable diseases (NCDs) now account for one-third of adult deaths in Malawi, yet women in rural areas receive limited communication on preventive lifestyles. This study assessed whether a community based program that demonstrates, explains, and reinforces physical activity and healthy eating can reduce two key NCD risk factors, obesity measured by body mass index (BMI) and blood pressure (BP) among adult women in Phereni Community, Lilongwe rural.
Methods: We carried out a six week quasi experimental pre post study. Using purposive sampling, 100 wom en aged 18–60 years were allocated to an intervention group (n = 50) and a usual practice control group (n = 50). Baseline BMI and BP were recorded. The intervention combined thrice weekly structured exercise sessions (offered in groups or tailored individually) and weekly dialogue based nutrition education delivered through, community meetings, visual aids and WhatsApp groups messages. The control group continued their usual lifestyle with no structured intervention. Safety checks and attendance logs were maintained throughout. Post program BMI and BP were re measured; within group changes were analyzed with paired t tests and between group differences with one way ANOVA (α = 0.05).
Results: Ninety-two participants (92 %) completed the program. The intervention group’s mean BMI fell from 29.4 ± 3.1 kg/m² to 27.1 ± 2.8 kg/m² (∆ = 2.3 kg/m², p < 0.01), and mean systolic BP dropped from 142 ± 11 mmHg to 128 ± 9 mmHg (∆ = 14 mmHg, p < 0.01). The control group showed no significant change in either metric. No adverse events were reported.
Conclusions: Integrating clear, culturally tailored health messages with hands on physical exercise and diet guidance significantly lowered BMI and BP among rural Malawian women within six weeks. Scaling such communication-driven interventions through existing village structures and mobile platforms could substan tially reduce the nation’s NCD burden.
