Gershim Asiki
Biographic Data
| ID | 214267 |
|---|---|
| NAME | Gershim Asiki |
| GIVEN NAMES | Gershim |
| FAMILY NAME | Asiki |
| SIGNATURE | ASIKI G |
| AFFILIATIONS | African Population and Health Research Center |
| ORCID | 0000-0002-9966-1153 |
| VERIFIED | Yes |
| TOTAL WORKS | 52 |
| TOTAL CITATIONS | 9 |
| AUTHOR COUNT | 51 |
| EDITOR COUNT | 1 |
| FIRST PUBLICATION YEAR | 2011 |
| LATEST PUBLICATION YEAR | 2026 |
| H-INDEX | 2 |
Food purchase patterns in Nairobi before, during, and after the Covid-19 pandemic lockdown measures
The nationwide lockdown measures implemented during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic disrupted food supply systems, potentially altering consumer purchasing behaviour. There is limited evidence quantifying these changes in low- and middle-income settings. This study aimed to examine the impact of COVID-19 on grocery purchase patterns among consumers in Nairobi. Using generalized least squares (GLS), we conducted an interrupted tim…
Advertising ultra-processed foods around urban and rural schools in Kenya
Marketing of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) can influence children’s food preferences and consumption patterns. However, limited data exist on the extent and nature of UPF marketing around schools in low- and middle-income countries, including Kenya. This study assessed the extent, type, and content of food and beverage advertising near schools in urban and rural settings in Kenya. We conducted a cross-sectional study in June–July 2021 across three…
Socio-structural and direct health challenges related to illness management among patients with type 2 diabetes in Kenya and Tanzania during the Covid-19 pandemic
During COVID-19, people with type 2 diabetes (T2D) experienced increased vulnerability, including severe COVID-19 complications, disruptions in diabetes management, and social isolation. These aspects were heightened in many sub-Saharan African countries, such as Kenya and Tanzania, where healthcare systems already face critical challenges in coping with increasing non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Little is known about how people with T2D in the…
Trends in sales of sugar-sweetened beverages and associated type 2 diabetes burden in nine African countries
Background Sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) are recognized contributors to the global rise in non-communicable diseases. While the link between SSB intake and adverse health outcomes is well established, long-term data from African countries are limited.Objective To assess trends in SSB sales and their associations with type 2 diabetes (T2D) burden across nine African countries from 2010 to 2024.Methods We conducted an ecological time-series anal…
Feasibility and impact of a patient support group care model on diabetes and hypertension care in informal settlements in Nairobi, Kenya
Background A support group care model including self-financing is a promising strategy to improve care for patients with diabetes or hypertension in resource-constrained settings.Objectives We investigated the uptake, feasibility, and impact of a self-financing patient support group care model on cardiometabolic parameters among adult patients with uncontrolled diabetes or hypertension in informal settlements in Nairobi, Kenya.Methods A two-group…
Recovery and long-term health outcomes of Sars-CoV-2 infection in a prospective cohort in an urban setting, Kenya
Background Evidence on long COVID remains limited in sub-Saharan countries.Objective This study explored the occurrence of COVID-19-related symptoms and factors affecting recovery and long COVID severity in Nairobi, Kenya.Methods A prospective cohort of individuals testing positive for SARS-CoV-2 between February 2022 and February 2023 was followed until June 2023. COVID-19-related symptoms were assessed every three months. Time to recovery was a…
Balancing protection of participants and other stakeholders with openness
National and international data sharing in health research is critical for advancing scientific discovery and fostering collaborative partnerships. With growing technological advances and an increasing desire for open science, data sharing enables researchers to access diverse datasets to generate novel insights. Adopting robust policies is key to responsible data sharing, which fosters interdisciplinary collaboration, ensures ethical and legal c…
Understanding the Purchasing and Consumption Dynamics of Commercially Processed Complementary Foods and Caregiver Motivations and Reasons for Purchasing These Foods in Nairobi
Commercially processed complementary foods (CPCFs) are consumed in Kenya, but little is known about caregiver perceptions and reasons for their consumption. We explored caregiver perceptions, motivations and reasons for purchasing CPCFs. This cross-sectional mixed-methods study was conducted in Nairobi among caregivers of children aged 6-23 months. A four-stage sampling strategy was used to select study sites non-slum (Westlands) and slum (Mathar…
Magnitude, trends, transitions, and drivers of the double burden of malnutrition among adolescent girls in urban slums, Kenya
The prevalence of overweight/obesity, as well as transitions to overweight/obesity were higher compared to undernutrition (stunting and thinness). Double-duty and multi-sectoral interventions that consider demographic (family, ethnicity), environmental (neighbourhood, school), and psychosocial (ACE, depression score) factors that may drive DBM in adolescent girls living in urban slums are recommended, to address DBM and reverse the growing trend …
Drivers and solutions to unhealthy food consumption by adolescents in urban slums, Kenya
Objective: To explore the perceptions, drivers and potential solutions to the consumption of unhealthy, ultra-processed foods (UPF) and foods high in fat, salt and sugar (HFSS) and their contribution to the double burden of malnutrition among adolescents living in urban slums, Kenya. Design: Qualitative participatory research, through Photovoice, group discussions and community dialogues. Inductive, thematic analysis was undertaken. Setting: Thre…
Analyzing Demographic Grocery Purchase Patterns in Kenyan Supermarkets Through Unsupervised Learning Techniques
Kenya is experiencing a significant increase in the prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, Type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers (bowel, lung, prostate, and uterine). This case is not unique to Kenya but is common in many Low and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs) in Africa. Many NCDs, are linked to diets high in added sugars, sodium, saturated fat, and low in fiber. There is a notable lack of in…
Mentorship in health research institutions in Africa
Background In Africa, where the burden of diseases is disproportionately high, significant challenges arise from a shortage of skilled researchers, lack of research funding, and limited mentorship opportunities. The continent faces a substantial gap in research output largely attributed to the dearth of mentorship opportunities for early career researchers. Objective To explore existing mentorship approaches, identify challenges, gaps, successes,…
Which government policies to create sustainable food systems have the potential to simultaneously address undernutrition, obesity and environmental sustainability
INTRODUCTION: A transformation of food systems is urgently needed, given their contribution to three ongoing and interlinked global health pandemics: (1) undernutrition and food insecurity, (2) obesity and non-communicable diseases (NCDs), and (3) climate change and biodiversity loss. As policymakers make decisions that shape food systems, this study aimed to identify and prioritise policies with double- or triple-duty potential to achieve health…
Association between breastfeeding duration and educational attainment in rural Southwest Uganda
BACKGROUND: Breastfeeding is important for early childhood nutrition and health. The positive effects on educational outcomes may be attributed to socioeconomic factors. Socioeconomic status is not a strong predictor of breastfeeding in sub-Saharan African countries. Yet, few studies have investigated the association between breastfeeding and educational outcomes in these countries. OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the association between breas…
Impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on type 2 diabetes care and factors associated with care disruption in Kenya and Tanzania
Background The COVID-19 pandemic affected healthcare delivery globally, impacting care access and delivery of essential services.Objectives We investigated the pandemic’s impact on care for patients with type 2 diabetes and factors associated with care disruption in Kenya and Tanzania.Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among adults diagnosed with diabetes pre-COVID-19. Data were collected in February–April 2022 reflecting experiences a…
Attitudes and perceptions towards epilepsy in an onchocerciasis-endemic region of Tanzania
Despite high awareness of epilepsy, there is insufficient understanding, negative attitudes, and perceptions, including misconceptions and stigma about this neurologic condition. Community-based education programmes are essential for promoting proper healthcare-seeking behaviour and dispelling myths
Determinants of under-five mortality in informal settlements in Nairobi, Kenya from 2002 to 2018
Under-five mortality is still high in urban informal settlements. Targeted public health interventions such as vaccinations and interventions empowering women such as single mothers, those with multiple pregnancies, and more impoverished slums are needed to further reduce under-five mortality in urban informal settlements
The promotion of ultra-processed foods in modern retail food outlets in rural and urban areas in Kenya
Objective: To assess the availability and marketing of ultra-processed foods (UPF) in modern retail food outlets (supermarkets and minimarts) in Kenya and associated factors. Design: This cross-sectional study was conducted in Kenya from August 2021 to October 2021. Variables included the geographic location and the socio-economic status (SES) levels, the food items displayed for sale and advertised in the stores, and locations in the stores such…
Multimorbidity in African ancestry populations
OBJECTIVES: Multimorbidity (MM) is a growing concern linked to poor outcomes and higher healthcare costs. While most MM research targets European ancestry populations, the prevalence and patterns in African ancestry groups remain underexplored. This study aimed to identify and summarise the available literature on MM in populations with African ancestry, on the continent, and in the diaspora. DESIGN: A scoping review was conducted in five databas…
A socio-ecological framework examination of drivers of blood pressure control among patients with comorbidities and on treatment in two Nairobi slums; a qualitative study
Despite the known and effective treatments to control blood pressure, there is limited information on why there are high uncontrolled hypertension rates in urban slum settings. The aim of this paper is to explore the views of treated people with uncontrolled hypertension and other key stakeholders on the facilitators and barriers to blood pressure control among people with comorbid conditions in two Nairobi slums. The study was conducted in two N…
Cardiometabolic multimorbidity and associated patterns of healthcare utilization and quality of life
Understanding the patterns of multimorbidity, defined as the co-occurrence of more than one chronic condition, is important for planning health system capacity and response. This study assessed the association of different cardiometabolic multimorbidity combinations with healthcare utilization and quality of life (QoL). Data were from the World Health Organization (WHO) study on global AGEing and adult health Wave 2 (2015) conducted in Ghana. We …
Feasibility and acceptability of using biometric fingerprinting to track migrations and support retention in HIV prevention research in fishing population in East Africa
Use of fingerprinting in fishing populations is feasible and acceptable. It is possible to track this mobile population for clinical trials or health services using this technology since most movements could be traced within and between villages
Community perceptions on the factors in the social food environment that influence dietary behaviour in cities of Kenya and Ghana
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 photograph…
Availability of healthy and unhealthy foods in modern retail outlets located in selected districts of Greater Accra Region, Ghana
Background Intake of unhealthy foods is linked to the onset of obesity and diet-related non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Availability of unhealthy (nutritionally poor) foods can influence preference, purchasing and consumption of such foods. This study determined the healthiness of foods sold at modern retail outlets- supermarkets and mini-marts in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana. Methods All modern retail outlets located in six districts of G…
Advertising of unhealthy foods and beverages around primary and junior high schools in Ghana's most urbanized and populous region
There is an abundance of unhealthy food advertisements around primary and junior high schools in the Greater Accra Region. Policy actions such as restricting the promotion of unhealthy foods in children's settings are needed to protect pupils from such advertising practices
Making a livelihood at the fish-landing site
Qualitative life history data were used to explore the experiences of women who live at five fish-landing sites on Lake Victoria, Uganda. We explored what economic and social opportunities women have in order to try to understand why some women are more vulnerable to violence and other risks than others and why some women are able to create successful enterprises while others struggle to make a living. The ability of women to create a viable live…
Urban physical food environments drive dietary behaviours in Ghana and Kenya
We identified factors in the physical food environment that influence dietary behaviours among low-income dwellers in three African cities (Nairobi, Accra, Ho). We used Photovoice with 142 males/females (≥13 years). In the neighbourhood environment, poor hygiene, environmental sanitation, food contamination and adulteration were key concerns. Economic access was perceived as a major barrier to accessing nutritionally safe and healthy foods. Home …
How HIV Diagnosis and Disclosure Affect Sexual Behavior and Relationships in Ugandan Fishing Communities
In this article we examine how members of fishing communities on the shores of Lake Victoria in Uganda respond to HIV diagnosis in terms of disclosure to sexual partners. We then explore the subsequent changes in sexual behavior and relationships. To access this information, we collected life history data from 78 HIV-positive individuals in five fishing communities. We found that the strength of the sexual relationships shaped how and why individ…
P2-207 Epidemiology of non-communicable diseases and their risk factors in rural Uganda
Introduction Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are rapidly becoming leading causes of morbidity and death in low- and middle-income countries, including those in sub-Saharan Africa. Yet, the magnitude and distribution of established and emerging risk factors for NCDs have not been fully studied in sub-Saharan African countries in a large scale epidemiological context. Methods We will carry out a cross-sectional population-based survey of cardiomet…
How HIV Diagnosis and Disclosure Affect Sexual Behavior and Relationships in Ugandan Fishing Communities
In this article we examine how members of fishing communities on the shores of Lake Victoria in Uganda respond to HIV diagnosis in terms of disclosure to sexual partners. We then explore the subsequent changes in sexual behavior and relationships. To access this information, we collected life history data from 78 HIV-positive individuals in five fishing communities. We found that the strength of the sexual relationships shaped how and why individ…
Making a livelihood at the fish-landing site
Qualitative life history data were used to explore the experiences of women who live at five fish-landing sites on Lake Victoria, Uganda. We explored what economic and social opportunities women have in order to try to understand why some women are more vulnerable to violence and other risks than others and why some women are able to create successful enterprises while others struggle to make a living. The ability of women to create a viable live…
Regional and sex-specific variation in BMI distribution in four sub-Saharan African countries
BACKGROUND: African populations are characterised by diversity at many levels including: demographic history, genetic ancestry, language, wealth, socio-political landscape, culture and behaviour. Several of these have a profound impact on body fat mass. Obesity, a key risk factor for cardiovascular and metabolic diseases, in the wake of the epidemiological and health transitions across the continent, requires detailed analysis together with other…
Sociodemographic and behavioural factors associated with body mass index among men and women in Nairobi slums
BACKGROUND: Body mass index (BMI) is rising globally with a faster increase in urban areas in low- and middle-income countries. It is critical to identify modifiable risk factors for BMI to prevent the occurrence of associated health consequences. OBJECTIVE: To investigate socio-demographic, behavioural and biological factors associated with BMI in Nairobi slums. METHODS: In 2014-2015, a cross sectional study of men and women aged 40-60 years in …
Prevalence and factors associated with pre-diabetes and diabetes mellitus in Kenya
The overall diabetes prevalence in Kenya is consistent with what has been reported in other sub-Saharan African countries. Of concern is the higher prevalence of pre-diabetes and undiagnosed diabetes that can progress to complications in the absence of interventions and the low diabetes awareness and control. This is the first nationally representative study to identify important groups at risk of pre-diabetes and diabetes that can be targeted fo…
The evolution of non-communicable diseases policies in post-apartheid South Africa
NCD prevalence remains high in South Africa. There is need to adopt the multi-sectoral approach in the implementation of NCD policies and programmes
Prevalence and predictors of physical inactivity levels among Kenyan adults (18–69 years)
A modest prevalence of physical inactivity slightly higher than in neighbouring countries was found in this study. Gender, age, education level and wealth index are evident areas that predict physical inactivity which can be focused on to develop programs that would work towards reducing physical inactivity among adults in Kenya
Patterns of non-communicable disease and injury risk factors in Kenyan adult population
This cluster analysis has identified important clusters of adult Kenyan population for non-communicable disease and injury risk profiles. Risk reduction interventions could consider these clusters as potential target in the development and segmentation of a differentiated approach
Individual and household level factors associated with presence of multiple non-communicable disease risk factors in Kenyan adults
Majority of Kenyan adults possess more than four NCD risk factors; a clear indication of an emerging epidemic of NCDs in this population. Effective and multi-sectoral interventions targeting multiple risk factors in individuals are required to mitigate especially the behavioural and modifiable NCD risk factors in Kenya
Facilitators and barriers in the formulation and implementation of tobacco control policies in Kenya
Although the process for formulating a tobacco control policy in Kenya was protracted, the current policy aligns well with current global efforts. The implementation is still weak and this can be enhanced by provision of necessary resources and continued engagement of all relevant stakeholders. There is a need for continued engagement with political leadership and continuous international information exchange on how policy-makers can address and …
Multi-sectoral action in non-communicable disease prevention policy development in five African countries
MSA is possible in NCD prevention policy development in African countries. However, the findings illustrate various challenges in bringing sectors together to develop policies to address the increasing NCD burden in the region. Stronger coordination mechanisms with clear guidelines for sector engagement are required for effective MSA in NCD prevention. Such a mechanisms should include approaches for capacity building and resource generation to en…
Contraceptive Preference Among Women at Risk of HIV Acquisition in a Preparatory Screening Study for a Phase III Microbicide Trial in South Western Uganda
A mixed-method pilot study to improve patient satisfaction in rural Uganda
This article reports on a mixed-method longitudinal field study that was conducted using a tablet-based app capturing data on patients’ satisfaction with an outpatient clinic in Kalungu District, Uganda. The app was developed, piloted, and refined using clinician and patient feedback. Findings were reported and discussed in staff meetings, with change in reported levels of satisfaction assessed using descriptive statistical analysis and Chi2 test…
Handbook of Global Urban Health
The effect of childhood stunting and wasting on adolescent cardiovascular diseases risk and educational achievement in rural Uganda
Recovery from wasting rather than just an episode in early childhood is associated with a rise in blood pressure while educational achievement is compromised regardless of whether recovery from undernutrition happens. These findings are relevant to children exposed to undernutrition in low-income settings
Associations between low HDL, sex and cardiovascular risk markers are substantially different in sub-Saharan Africa and the UK
INTRODUCTION: Low high-density lipoprotein (HDL) is widely used as a marker of cardiovascular disease risk, although this relationship is not causal and is likely mediated through associations with other risk factors. Low HDL is extremely common in sub-Saharan African populations, and this has often been interpreted to indicate that these populations will have increased cardiovascular risk. We aimed to determine whether the association between HD…
Estimating the burden of cardiovascular risk in community dwellers over 40 years old in South Africa, Kenya, Burkina Faso and Ghana
INTRODUCTION: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors are increasing in sub-Saharan Africa. The impact of these risk factors on future CVD outcomes and burden is poorly understood. We examined the magnitude of modifiable risk factors, estimated future CVD risk and compared results between three commonly used 10-year CVD risk factor algorithms and their variants in four African countries. METHODS: In the Africa-Wits-INDEPTH partnership for Genom…
Nutrition-related non-communicable disease and sugar-sweetened beverage policies
Background: The burden of undernutrition is significant in Kenya. Obesity and related non-communicable diseases are also on the increase. Government action to prevent non-communicable diseases is critical. Taxation of sugar-sweetened beverages has been identified as an effective mechanism to address nutrition-related non-communicable diseases, although Kenya is not yet committed to this.Objective: To assess the policy and stakeholder landscape re…
The data availability landscape in seven sub-Saharan African countries and its role in strengthening sugar-sweetened beverage taxation
Timely, easily understood, concise, and locally relevant evidence is needed in order to inform policy development on SSBs. The relevant data are drawn from multiple sectors. Cross- sector collaboration is therefore needed. Indicators for SSBs should be developed and included in current data collection tools to ensure monitoring and evaluation for SSB taxation
The legal feasibility of adopting a sugar-sweetened beverage tax in seven sub-Saharan African countries
Sugar-sweetened beverage taxes are legally feasible in all seven countries Existing laws provide a means to implement taxes as a public health intervention
The political economy of sugar-sweetened beverage taxation
Background: Non-communicable diseases are on the rise across sub-Saharan Africa. The region has become a targeted growth market for sugar-sweetened beverages, which are associated with weight gain, cardiovascular diseases and diabetes.Objective: To identify politico-economic factors relevant to nutrition-related fiscal policies, and to draw lessons regarding strategies to strengthen sugar-sweetened beverages taxation in the region and globally.Me…
Study design
This paper reports on the design of a study to examine the policy landscape relevant to sugar-sweetened beverage taxation in seven sub-Saharan African countries. The study responds to the need for strong policy to address the rising burden of non-communicable diseases in the region. Sugar-sweetened beverage taxation has been widely recommended as a key component of a comprehensive policy approach to NCD prevention. However, it has proved a conten…
Prevalence and socio-demographic correlates of tobacco and alcohol use in four sub-Saharan African countries
Regional variation in the patterns and prevalence of substance use was observed across study sites, and in rural and urban settings. The high levels of substance use recorded in this study are of concern due to the increased risk of associated morbidities. Further longitudinal data will be valuable in determining trends in substance misuse in Africa
Urban physical food environments drive dietary behaviours in Ghana and Kenya
We identified factors in the physical food environment that influence dietary behaviours among low-income dwellers in three African cities (Nairobi, Accra, Ho). We used Photovoice with 142 males/females (≥13 years). In the neighbourhood environment, poor hygiene, environmental sanitation, food contamination and adulteration were key concerns. Economic access was perceived as a major barrier to accessing nutritionally safe and healthy foods. Home …
Medicine (39 works) · Environmental health (31 works) · Obesity, Physical Activity, Diet (19 works) · Public health (19 works) · Economic growth (18 works) · Global Public Health Policies and Epidemiology (18 works) · Geography (17 works) · Economics (15 works) · Population (15 works) · Business (14 works)