Peer-led Digital Health Lifestyle Intervention for a Low-income Community at Risk for Cardiovascular Diseases (MYCardio-PEER): A Quasi-Experimental Trial

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of early death in Malaysia, with people in low-income communities facing higher risk. This thesis examined whether peer-led lifestyle programmes can help prevent heart disease and developed a culturally appropriate digital health intervention for a low-income Malaysian community. A review of previous studies showed that peer-led interventions can improve some heart health outcomes, but evidence in low-income settings and using digital tools is limited. An eight-week peer-led digital programme (MYCardio-PEER) was then implemented and evaluated. The programme reduced participants’ overall heart disease risk, improved dietary habits, and was well accepted, demonstrating a feasible and effective community-based prevention approach.