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Lookup NU author(s): Dr Fiona GrahamORCiD
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC BY 4.0).
© The Authors 2022.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 the 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 between 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.
Author(s): Wanjohi MN, Pradeilles R, Asiki G, Holdsworth M, Kimani-Murage EW, Muthuri SK, Irache A, Laar A, Zotor F, Tandoh A, Klomegah S, Graham F, Araba Osei-Kwasi H, Green MA, Coleman N, Mensah K, Akparibo R, Aryeteey R, Rousham EK, Bricas N, Bohr M, Griffiths P
Publication type: Article
Publication status: Published
Journal: Public Health Nutrition
Year: 2023
Volume: 26
Issue: 3
Pages: 661-673
Print publication date: 01/03/2023
Online publication date: 28/10/2022
Acceptance date: 02/04/2022
Date deposited: 22/11/2022
ISSN (print): 1368-9800
ISSN (electronic): 1475-2727
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
URL: https://doi.org/10.1017/S1368980022002270
DOI: 10.1017/S1368980022002270
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