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 |
A call for citizen science in pandemic preparedness and response
The COVID-19 pandemic has underlined the need to partner with the community in pandemic preparedness and response in order to enable trust-building among stakeholders, which is key in pandemic management. Citizen science, defined here as a practice of public participation and collaboration in all aspects of scientific research to increase knowledge and build trust with governments and researchers, is a crucial approach to promoting community enga…
Prevalence of and factors associated with high atherogenic index among adults in Nairobi urban informal settlements
Dyslipidemia is an important cardiovascular disease predictor. Atherogenic index of plasma (AIP), a ratio of triglycerides (TG) to high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol has been deemed to be more informative as a cardiovascular disease predictor compared to using any single predictor. The aim of this study was to explore the factors associated with elevated atherogenic index among people living in low-income urban areas of Nairobi, Kenya. Da…
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 …
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
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…
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…
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)