Background
Overweight and obesity is increasing among adolescents in many African countries, and this may be associated with socio-cultural beliefs and perceptions that larger body size demonstrates health and wellbeing. There is still limited understanding of socio-cultural influences on the weight status of adolescents in Africa. This scoping review examines the socio-cultural determinants of dietary and physical activity behaviours that contribute to overweight and obesity among adolescents in African countries.
Methods
The review adhered to PRISMA-ScR guidelines. Data sources were PubMed, Scopus, CINAHL, Web of Science, Embase PsycINFO, SocINDEX, Google Scholar, African Index Medicus, and African Journals Online. Studies were included if they focused on adolescents in African countries, used qualitative approaches, were published in English, and investigated socio-cultural influences on overweight and obesity. Study quality was appraised using Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) tool for qualitative research. Qualitative findings were analysed and presented through narrative synthesis.
Results
Of 1,410 articles, 17 met the eligibility criteria. Adolescents reported that their food choices were strongly influenced by peers, often leading to unhealthy food choices. They also reported that family members, particularly parents, influenced their food choices because of their control over the food available at home and also provided limited support for physical activity. While adolescents regarded media as a key source of information about healthy behaviours, they also identified negative influences on health behaviours and body image. Adolescents perceived overweight and obesity as indicators of wealth and health, and thinness as indicators of illness and poor health. They also reported experiencing weight-related stigma regardless of weight status.
Conclusion
Incorporating peer, family, and media influences in promoting healthy weight perceptions, improving dietary and physical activity behaviours, and reducing weight stigma can contribute to the prevention and management of adolescent overweight and obesity.