Improving Health Awareness and Preventive Care for Metabolic Disease among Indonesian Women Migrant Workers in Malaysia

This community service program aimed to improve health awareness and preventive care for metabolic diseases among Indonesian women migrant workers in Malaysia through a comprehensive nutrition education intervention. Women migrant workers are particularly vulnerable to obesity, hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and cardiovascular diseases because of occupational demands, irregular eating patterns, limited physical activity, and restricted access to preventive healthcare services. The program was conducted from 23–25 January 2025 and involved 35 participants recruited through Indonesian migrant community networks. The intervention combined interactive health education, discussions, demonstrations, anthropometric measurements, and practical training on balanced meal planning based on the Indonesian Balanced Nutrition Guidelines (Pedoman Gizi Seimbang) and the Isi Piringku (My Plate) approach. Program effectiveness was evaluated using pre- and post-intervention knowledge assessments, direct observation of participants' practical competencies, and participant reflections. The findings indicated substantial improvements in participants' knowledge of balanced nutrition, understanding of metabolic disease prevention, and awareness of healthy lifestyle practices. Participants also demonstrated enhanced competencies in measuring body weight and height, calculating body mass index, interpreting nutritional status, and developing nutritionally balanced daily meal plans appropriate to their working conditions in Malaysia. Furthermore, the participatory educational approach increased participants' confidence, self-efficacy, and readiness to adopt healthier dietary behaviors while encouraging peer learning and community empowerment. The integration of theoretical knowledge with experiential learning enabled participants to translate health information into practical self-management skills that support long-term disease prevention. Overall, the program demonstrates that community-based nutrition education represents an effective strategy for strengthening health literacy, promoting preventive health behaviors, and empowering Indonesian women migrant workers to reduce the risk of metabolic diseases. Expanding similar interventions through collaboration among universities, community organizations, employers, and health institutions may contribute to sustainable health promotion and improved well-being among migrant worker populations.

community health promotion; health literacy; Indonesian women migrant workers; metabolic disease prevention; balanced nutrition

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