INTRODUCTION: An increase in the prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) among Orang Asli in Malaysia was reported to be associated with their lifestyle changes. This study aimed to determine the level of knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) on NCDs among the Orang Asli community and its association with demographic factors of gender, age, and education level. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study among consented adult Orang Asli in Jelebu, Negeri Sembilan, was conducted by a face-to-face interview using a validated questionnaire. Their knowledge, attitude, and practice on selected NCD risk factors, complications, and treatment was recorded. Bivariate analysis was performed to test the association between their demographic profile and KAP score. RESULTS: A total of 325 respondents with a mean age of 39.9 (+/- 13.2) ranged from 18 to 83 years old participated in this study. Majority of the participants (72.3%) had inadequate knowledge. Despite the inadequacy, they have a good attitude (72.3%) and a moderate practice level (63.4%). Respondents with higher education backgrounds had significantly better knowledge scores compared to lower education background (p<0.001). Female respondents had better practice scores than male respondents (p=0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The study shows that the level of knowledge on NCDs among Orang Asli is low with a moderately healthy lifestyle. Improving the Orang Asli understanding of NCDs prevention by incorporating health programs regularly in their community is a strategic method to increase their awareness. Hence, escalating their good practice on NCDs and eventually their health.

Children eating behaviour was hypothesised as one of the factors associated with growth development as well as malnutrition among toddlers. This study aimed to explore the relationship between child eating behaviour among toddlers aged two to four years old and their respective Body Mass Index (BMI) or BMI for Age Z (BAZ). A cross-sectional study was conducted among parents and caregivers with toddlers between two to four years old, in the Klang Valley. The validated Children’s Eating Behaviour Questionnaire (CEBQ) was used to measure their child eating habit and behaviours. A total of 96 parents or caregivers of toddlers participated. Girls had lower BAZ than boys (-1.20 vs-0.15, p=0.030), and significantly higher satiety responsiveness and food fussiness scores (3.14 vs 2.80, p=0.005 and 2.83 vs 2.44, p=0.005 respectively). Emotional overeating had opposite effects on BMI and BAZ between genders. In this study, girls aged two to four year old had lower BMI and BAZ than boys; and demonstrated higher food avoidance behaviour. Emotional overeating is associated with opposite effects on BMI and BAZ between boys and girls. Among all toddlers, satiety responsiveness and food fussiness were associated with lower BAZ. © 2020, J. K. Welfare and Pharmascope Foundation. All rights reserved.