Systematic Literature Review: Community-Based Health Education Interventions for Non-Communicable Disease Prevention in Low- and Middle-Income Countries

Rizqi Amanullah; Diana Andriyani  Pratamawati; Desti Rahmayani

doi:10.29238/ichs.v12i1.3037

Public Health (General)

Systematic Literature Review: Community-Based Health Education Interventions for Non-Communicable Disease Prevention in Low- and Middle-Income Countries

Rizqi Amanullah Poltekkes Kemenkes Yogyakarta, Indonesia Correspondence kerjasama@poltekkesjogja.ac.id

Diana Andriyani Pratamawati Poltekkes Kemenkes Yogyakarta, Indonesia Correspondence diana.pratamawati@poltekkesjogja.ac.id
ORCID : https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1086-573X

Desti Rahmayani Poltekkes Kemenkes Yogyakarta, Indonesia Correspondence desti.rahmayani@poltekkesjogja.ac.id

Abstract

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) account for 74% of global mortality, disproportionately affecting low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Community-based health education interventions offer cost-effective strategies for NCD prevention, yet their effectiveness remains inconsistently documented. A systematic review and meta-analysis searched major biomedical databases (October 2015–October 2025) for randomised controlled trials, quasi-experimental, and comparative studies evaluating community-based health education interventions addressing NCD risk factors in LMICs. Dual independent reviewers screened studies, extracted data, and assessed quality using Cochrane Risk of Bias and GRADE criteria. Random-effects models quantified intervention effects using standardised mean differences (SMD). Analysis of 18 studies (range: 50–2,500 participants per study; total n = 13,847) demonstrated significant NCD risk factor reductions: fruit and vegetable consumption (SMD = 0.31; 95% CI 0.18–0.44; I² = 64%), physical activity (SMD = 0.28; 95% CI 0.12–0.43; I² = 71%), health knowledge (SMD = 0.85; 95% CI 0.71–0.98; I² = 58%), and disease self-management (SMD = 0.41; 95% CI 0.25–0.56; I² = 69%). Multifaceted interventions incorporating community mobilisation and policy integration produced superior outcomes. Nursing-led interventions (10 studies, n = 4,293) were significantly effective (SMD = 0.42; 95% CI 0.28–0.56; I² = 65%). Youth-focused programs demonstrated greater effectiveness (SMD = 0.38) than mixed-age populations (SMD = 0.22). Community-based health education interventions effectively reduce NCD risk factors in LMICs, particularly when combining behavioural techniques, community participation, and nursing leadership. Substantial heterogeneity across interventions necessitates standardised outcome measures and implementation research in diverse LMIC contexts to maximise policy impact and scalability.

Keywords :

Non-communicable diseases health education community-based interventions systematic review meta-analysis low- and middle-income countries

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How to Cite This

Amanullah, R., Pratamawati, D. A. ., & Rahmayani, D. (2026). Systematic Literature Review: Community-Based Health Education Interventions for Non-Communicable Disease Prevention in Low- and Middle-Income Countries. International Conference on Health Sciences, 12(1), 58–71. https://doi.org/10.29238/ichs.v12i1.3037