Exploring influences on adolescent diet and physical activity in rural Gambia, West Africa: food insecurity, culture and the natural environment.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

To explore, from the perspectives of adolescents and caregivers, and using qualitative methods, influences on adolescent diet and physical activity in rural Gambia.

Design

Six focus group discussions (FGD) with adolescents and caregivers were conducted. Thematic analysis was employed across the data set.

Setting

Rural region of The Gambia, West Africa.

Participants

Participants were selected using purposive sampling. Four FGD, conducted with forty adolescents, comprised: girls aged 10-12 years; boys aged 10-12 years; girls aged 15-17 years, boys aged 15-17 years. Twenty caregivers also participated in two FGD (mothers and fathers).

Results

All participants expressed an understanding of the association between salt and hypertension, sugary foods

SUBMITTER: Janha RE 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7611936 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature