Development of virtual lifestyle management program for promoting health behavior changes

Good health and well-being are one of the sustainable development goals (SDGs) in Malaysia for improving the life of the people. Healthcare service is one of the National Key Areas (NKEAs) under the Economic Transformation Program initiatives to ensure the sustainability of quality of life in Malaysia. Several national initiatives focus on health awareness and empowering citizens, including introducing self-health management into their lifestyle. However, there are limited web-based application programs that emphasize a holistic concept of healthy lifestyle within the Malaysian context. The present project therefore aims to develop a web-based application of self-management that promotes daily healthy living and fosters changes in health behavior. This web-based application program is developed using Persuasive Systems Design model. A Web Development Life Cycle is employed in designing this program. This program covers the body, mind, and soul dimensions. Interactive features will be highly employed to encourage user engagement. It is expected to assist people’s ability to self-manage their own health, thus affecting individual behavior and improving their current health status. This platform will provide education, tools, and individual support as well as inform users of their daily progress in order to help them reach their health goal to live a healthy lifestyle. Overall, this web application has significant commercial value in Malaysia.