Malaysian Healthy Diet Online Survey (MHDOS): study rationale and methodology

Jyh, Eiin Wong and Fui, Chee Woon and Yit, Siew Chin and Wai, Siew Teh and Rusidah Selamat, . and Ahmad Ali Zainuddin, . and Hendrie, Gilly A. and E, Siong Tee (2023) Malaysian Healthy Diet Online Survey (MHDOS): study rationale and methodology. Malaysian Journal of Nutrition (Malaysia), 29 (2). pp. 273-283. ISSN 1394 – 035X

Introduction: Access to accurate and timely dietary information is of paramount importance in evaluating and developing well-targeted public health nutrition interventions. However, nationwide nutrition surveys are conducted infrequently because they are very costly to design, conduct and analyse. Dietary assessment tools, which are quick and cost- effective, are needed for population research and regular monitoring of Malaysians’ dietary habits. This paper describes the rationale and methodology of the Malaysian Healthy Diet Online Survey (MHDOS) project, which aims to bridge this knowledge gap on dietary intake of Malaysian adults. The main objective of the two-year project is to develop MHDOS as a valid tool to measure compliance with the Malaysian Dietary Guidelines 2020. Methods: The MHDOS project has three study phases, namely (i) adaptation of an online survey and established diet quality scoring system for Malaysia, (ii) usability, validity and reliability testing of the online survey; and (iii) online survey administration in a nationwide study. The survey will be administered to approximately 10,000 Malaysian adults aged 18-59 years. Discussion: MHDOS consists of 38 questions that measures the quantity, quality and variety of foods consumed. Individuals will receive a diet quality score that reflects their overall compliance with the Malaysian Dietary Guidelines and feedback on how to improve their scores. The findings of the online survey, which serve to complement information between larger surveys, will be useful to measure compliance of Malaysians to national dietary guidelines and inform public health interventions.

Full text available from: Official URL: https://www.nutriweb.org.my/mjn/publication/29-2/V...

Abstract

Introduction: Access to accurate and timely dietary information is of paramount importance in evaluating and developing well-targeted public health nutrition interventions. However, nationwide nutrition surveys are conducted infrequently because they are very costly to design, conduct and analyse. Dietary assessment tools, which are quick and cost- effective, are needed for population research and regular monitoring of Malaysians’ dietary habits. This paper describes the rationale and methodology of the Malaysian Healthy Diet Online Survey (MHDOS) project, which aims to bridge this knowledge gap on dietary intake of Malaysian adults. The main objective of the two-year project is to develop MHDOS as a valid tool to measure compliance with the Malaysian Dietary Guidelines 2020. Methods: The MHDOS project has three study phases, namely (i) adaptation of an online survey and established diet quality scoring system for Malaysia, (ii) usability, validity and reliability testing of the online survey; and (iii) online survey administration in a nationwide study. The survey will be administered to approximately 10,000 Malaysian adults aged 18-59 years. Discussion: MHDOS consists of 38 questions that measures the quantity, quality and variety of foods consumed. Individuals will receive a diet quality score that reflects their overall compliance with the Malaysian Dietary Guidelines and feedback on how to improve their scores. The findings of the online survey, which serve to complement information between larger surveys, will be useful to measure compliance of Malaysians to national dietary guidelines and inform public health interventions.

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Item Type:	Article
AGROVOC Term:	food consumption
AGROVOC Term:	surveys
AGROVOC Term:	dietary assessment
AGROVOC Term:	data analysis
AGROVOC Term:	methodology
AGROVOC Term:	dietary guidelines
AGROVOC Term:	adults
AGROVOC Term:	diet quality
Geographical Term:	Malaysia
Depositing User:	Ms. Azariah Hashim
Date Deposited:	10 Aug 2026 06:52
Last Modified:	10 Aug 2026 06:52
URI:	http://webagris.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/3597

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