Ontology highlight
ABSTRACT: Objective
To explore communities' perspectives on the factors in the social food environment that influence dietary behaviours in African cities.Design
A qualitative study using participatory photography (Photovoice). Participants took and discussed photographs representing factors in the social food environment that influence their dietary behaviours. Follow-up in-depth interviews allowed participants to tell the 'stories' of their photographs. Thematic analysis was conducted, using data-driven and theory-driven (based on the socio-ecological model) approaches.Setting
Three low-income areas of Nairobi (n 48) in Kenya and Accra (n 62) and Ho (n 32) in Ghana.Participants
Adolescents and adults, male and female aged ≥13 years.Results
The 'people' who were most commonly reported as influencers of dietary behaviours within the social food environment included family members, friends, health workers and food vendors. They mainly influenced food purchase, preparation and consumption, through (1) considerations for family members' food preferences, (2) considerations for family members' health and nutrition needs, (3) social support by family and friends, (4) provision of nutritional advice and modelling food behaviour by parents and health professionals, (5) food vendors' services and social qualities.Conclusions
The family presents an opportunity for promoting healthy dietary behaviours among family members. Peer groups could be harnessed to promote healthy dietary behaviours among adolescents and youth. Empowering food vendors to provide healthier and safer food options could enhance healthier food sourcing, purchasing and consumption in African low-income urban communities.
SUBMITTER: Wanjohi MN
PROVIDER: S-EPMC9989710 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Oct
REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature
Wanjohi Milkah N MN Pradeilles Rebecca R Asiki Gershim G Holdsworth Michelle M Kimani-Murage Elizabeth W EW Muthuri Stella K SK Irache Ana A Laar Amos A Zotor Francis F Tandoh Akua A Klomegah Senam S Graham Fiona F Osei-Kwasi Hibbah Araba HA Green Mark A MA Coleman Nathaniel N Mensah Kobby K Akparibo Robert R Aryeteey Richmond R Rousham Emily K EK Bricas Nicolas N Bohr Marco M Griffiths Paula P
Public health nutrition 20221028 3
<h4>Objective</h4>To explore communities' perspectives on the factors in the social food environment that influence dietary behaviours in African cities.<h4>Design</h4>A qualitative study using participatory photography (Photovoice). Participants took and discussed photographs representing factors in the social food environment that influence their dietary behaviours. Follow-up in-depth interviews allowed participants to tell the 'stories' of their photographs. Thematic analysis was conducted, u ...[more]