Hartih, Sakinah
(2012)
University-community engagement
conference.
Other.
Pusat Pengajian Sains Kesihatan, Universiti Sains Malaysia.
Abstract
Government of Malaysia estimates that there are about 1.3 million people with various forms of disability;
till 20 10, there were only 280.000 of them who have registered with Department of Social Welfare OKM).
Community-based rehabilitation (CBR). a program that empowers persons with disabilities (PWD) to access
and benefit from education, employment, health, social and rehabilitation services by using predominantly
local resources. A total of 4 28 CBR centres were developed in Malaysia until 20 10, which mostly located in
district and rural area. CBR teachers are the direct personnel who teach, train and prepare meals for the
PWD. The PWD are frequently affected by nutritional status impairment. A survey to reveal the sociodemographic
and nutrition condition in CBR centres in 3 states: Perlis, Pulau Pinang and Perak was carried
out. It was aimed to identify the possible nutritional problems and risk factors among the PWD and to
highlight the problems faced by the teachers in food and nutrition management. This survey involved 165
CBR teachers from 43 centres. It was conducted by visits to each centre and interview sessions with their
teachers. The result of interviews showed that the nutrition knowledge and exposure among CBR teachers
were limited. CBR teachers also encountered various nutrition problems among the PWD such as chewing
and swallowing difficulties. 'picky' eating behaviour, underweight and overweight ·problem, and
insufficient food budget. This phenomenon raises concerns to formulate m~re specific and sustainable
interventional strategies for the teachers especially in food and nutrition. As playing part of the role in
university-community engagement, innovative and creative approach to empower the individuals and
communities with nutritional knowledge is crucial. Mutual contribution and cooperation from each
character in the society are needed to bring goodness to the welfare of the PWD.
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