ABSTRACT
Focus group discussion is a qualitative method of data collection that has gained recognition in the health research field. A total of 8 focus group discussions were carried out with Orang Asli women of childbearing age (20-50 years old) to assess their perceptions and knowledge of child health and nutrition. Four of the groups were from 6 Temuan villages (n=40) in Sepang District, while four others were from 4 Mah Meri villages (n=31) on Carey Island. Most of the women had no formal education or had attended primary school only. The topics discussed were on the women's perceptions of a healthy child and contributory factors to child health; their perceptions of good (nutritious) and bad (less nutritious) foods; their knowledge on foods and nutrients in relation to general functions, and specifically to growth and brain development as well as diseases. All Mah Meri and Temuan groups defined ‘healthy’ and ‘unhealthy’ in terms of behaviours and body appearances. A healthy child is able to play, socialise, eat and sleep well and seems energetic and cheerful, while an unhealthy child does not exhibit these behaviours and appearances. All the groups cited personal hygiene of the child and cleanliness of food and home environment as important contributors to child health. Healthy and unhealthy foods were defined mostly in relation to disease outcomes. All groups considered fruits and vegetables as ‘good’ foods while sugar and snacks were ‘bad’ foods. Meat, eggs, milk and fish were also considered as ‘good’ foods by several groups. All Mah Meri and Temuan groups agreed that nutritious foods prevent children from illnesses as the foods would provide energy and improve blood circulation. Compared to the Temuan, most Mah Meri women were unable to identify food sources of nutrients. Both the Temuan and Mahmeri groups were not able to relate nutrients to their specific functions. While the women were able to relate the associations between foods and diseases, most of the women lack knowledge on the appropriate foods for growth and development. The focus group findings would contribute to better understanding of care-givers’ perceptions and knowledge regarding child health and nutrition, which could then be utilised in the development of appropriate health and nutrition strategies to address child health and nutrition problems in the Orang Asli community.

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