From ToyBox Study to eToyBox: Advancing Childhood Obesity Reduction in Malaysian Kindergartens

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Pediatrics
• Behavioral Science

Background:

• Childhood obesity is a pressing global and national public health priority in Malaysia.
• Multifactorial determinants of childhood obesity influence energy balance behaviors, necessitating comprehensive interventions.
• Multi-component, multi-level interventions are most effective for addressing childhood obesity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To adapt and implement the European ToyBox-study intervention for the Malaysian context to prevent and reduce childhood obesity.
• To leverage online platforms (eToybox) to expand reach and ensure long-term sustainability of the intervention during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• To promote healthy energy balance behaviors among preschoolers, families, and kindergarten staff in Malaysia.

Main Methods:

• Translation and cultural adaptation of the ToyBox-study materials for Malaysian preschoolers and families.
• Implementation of the adapted intervention in kindergartens across Peninsular Malaysia and Sarawak.
• Transition to an online delivery model (eToybox) in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, incorporating digital innovations.

Main Results:

• The ToyBox-study intervention, adapted as eToybox, was successfully implemented in Malaysian kindergartens.
• The shift to an online format enabled wider audience reach and addressed intervention sustainability.
• The eToybox program aims to enhance the promotion of healthy lifestyles among Malaysian preschoolers and their families.

Conclusions:

• A holistic, multi-level approach is crucial for preventing and treating childhood obesity in Malaysia.
• Online innovation through eToybox offers a scalable and sustainable strategy for promoting healthy energy balance behaviors.
• Adapting evidence-based interventions like ToyBox-study is vital for addressing national public health priorities in diverse settings.