Protocol for a scoping review of existing policies on the prevention and control of obesity across countries in Africa
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Date
2017
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
BMJ Publishing Group
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: The obesity epidemic is a public health
challenge for all, including low-income countries. The
behavioural patterns known to contribute to the rise in
obesity prevalence occur in an environmental context
which is not conducive for healthy choices. A policy
approach to obesity prevention constitutes a form of
public intervention in that it extends beyond individuals
to influence entire populations and is a mechanism for
creating healthier environments. Little is known about
obesity prevention policies in Africa. This scoping
review seeks to examine the nature, extent and range
of policies covering obesity prevention in Africa in
order to assess how they align with international
efforts in creating less obesogenic environments.
This will help identify gaps in the approaches that are
adopted in Africa.
METHODS AND ANALYSIS: Using the Arksey and
O’Malley’s scoping methodological framework as a
guide, a comprehensive search of MEDLINE (PubMed),
MEDLINE (EbscoHost) CINAHL (EbscoHost), Academic
Search Complete (EbscoHost) and ISI Web of Science
(Science Citation Index) databases will be carried out
for peer reviewed journal articles related to obesity
prevention policies using the African search filter.
A grey literature search for policy documents and
reports will also be conducted. There will be no
language and date restrictions. Eligible policy
documents and reports will be obtained and screened
using the inclusion criteria. Data will be extracted and
results analysed using descriptive numerical summary
analysis and qualitative thematic analysis.
ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: No primary data will be
collected since all data that will be presented in this
review are based on published articles and publicly
available documents, and therefore ethics committee
approval is not a requirement. The findings of this
systematic review will be presented at workshops and
conferences; and will be submitted for publication in
peer-reviewed journal. This will also form a chapter of
a PhD thesis.
Description
Keywords
Obesity epidemic, Low-income countries, Healthy choices, Obesity prevention policies, Africa
Citation
Adom, T. et al. (2017). Protocol for a scoping review of existing policies on the prevention and control of obesity across countries in Africa. BMJ Open, 7: e013541.