Objective: To improve the knowledge on Non Communicable Diseases among adults with the participation of children and to reduce the television time.
Methods: This community based intervention was carried in middle income community in Colombo district Sri Lanka. Intervention was delivered through children. Children were trained to measure height, weight and trained to calculate the BMI. Children made home visits (n = 32 houses) regularly and measured BMI and delivered the knowledge on NCDS. BP of households was measured by researcher. Each house was visited once a month by children. Pre and post level of knowledge were measured using specific format. In the meantime especial activities were carried out to improve the skills of children. Children were encouraged to invest their TV time for the community work. Pre and post time duration allocated for TV was assessed
Results: Before the intervention, adults (n = 18) 33.6% have not measured their height, adult (n = 36) 69.2% have not measured their weight. Adult (n = 22) 42.3% have not heard about the BMI while only 19.2% adult (n = 10) knew their BMI range. And also 44.2 % adults (n = 23) could name at least three NCDs. only 48% adult (n = 25) have measured BP in their life. 34.6 % adult could range the healthy BP range. Following six month evaluation, it was found that 61 % (n = 28) knew their BMI levels. 58.7% adult (n = 27) could remember their BMI levels while 82.6% (n = 38) could range the healthy BP range. Before the intervention average time spent on TV among children group were 4.5 hours. After six month of the intervention it was found that average time spent on TV were 2.5 hours.
Conclusion: Children’s participation can significantly effect of improving knowledge on NCDs in a middle income community. Simultaneously this would useful to improve the various skills as well as positive qualities in life.