Drivers and solutions to unhealthy food consumption by adolescents in urban slums, Kenya: a qualitative participatory study.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

To explore the perceptions, drivers and potential solutions to the consumption of unhealthy, ultra-processed foods (UPF) and foods high in fat, salt and sugar (HFSS) and their contribution to the double burden of malnutrition among adolescents living in urban slums, Kenya.

Design

Qualitative participatory research, through Photovoice, group discussions and community dialogues. Inductive, thematic analysis was undertaken.

Setting

Three major slums, Nairobi.

Participants

Adolescents 10-19 years (n 102: 51 boys, 51 girls) and adults (n 62).

Results

UPF/HFSS consumption emerged as a predominant theme on foods commonly consumed by adolescents, and the causes of undernutrition and overweight/obesity. Adolescents described UPF/HFSS as ju

SUBMITTER: Wanjohi MN 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12465072 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature