Behavioural insights offer scalable solutions for healthier food choices in Southeast Asia

Aerial view of Jakarta, Indonesia, showing tall skyscrapers, a helicopter pad on a building, and a busy street with a fountain in the middle of a traffic roundabout.

How can low-cost, evidence-based interventions improve public health nutrition? That was the central question explored at a recent Rotterdam Global Health Initiative (RGHI) event hosted by the International Insitute of Social Studies (ISS) on June 20.

Researchers presented new findings from behavioural experiments in Indonesia and Vietnam, highlighting practical, scalable strategies for policymakers tackling poor nutrition. 

Key findings

These studies, conducted in collaboration between Erasmus University Rotterdam, Universitas Sebelas Maret, Indonesia's National Research and Innovation Agency, and the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City - revealed:

  • Empowering adolescents through agency-focused approaches can influence healthier food choices, especially when paired with meal vouchers.
  • Food labels are a promising, scalable tool to promote healthier eating habits in countries facing rapid dietary transitions. 
  • Sharing study results with participating families boosts parental support for nutrition-related policies. 

If you are at iHEA 2025 - join our session on: Dietary Behavior of Children and Adolescents: Evidence from Behavioural Experiments in Indonesia and Vietnam.

Researcher
Tri Mulyaningsih
Researcher
Dr. Pham Khánh Nam
Researcher
Researcher
Puguh Prasetyoputra
Researcher
Rika Rachmalina
PhD student
PhD student
More information

Want to know more? Contact RGHI members:
Prof. Dr. M (Matthias) Rieger | Erasmus University Rotterdam
Dr. RA (Robert) Sparrow | Erasmus University Rotterdam

The Rotterdam Global Health Initiative (RGHI) is the academic network of global health research and education at Erasmus University Rotterdam nd Erasmus MC. Their mission is to address and alleviate health inequalities worldwide, contributing to improved living conditions and advancing high-quality, equitable healthcare globally.

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