Obesity in sub-Saharan Africa

Development of an ecological theoretical framework

Dados Bibliográficos

ID22945125
AutoresAlison Scott (0000-0001-6969-4707, William & Mary), C S Ejikeme (Georgia Southern University), E N Clottey, Emmanuel Clottey (Louisiana State University in Shreveport), J Graham Thomas (0000-0001-7549-2431, Columbus State University)
Ano2013
Volume28
Fascículo1
Páginas4-16
Data de publicação2013-03-01
Peer ReviewedSim
Open AccessSim
TipoARTICLE
PeriódicoHealth Promotion International (JOURNAL)
Identificadores do periódicoISSN: 0957-4824 • E-ISSN: 1460-2245
EditoraOxford University Press (OUP) (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1093/heapro/das038
PMID22933446
OpenAlexW2110659844
IdiomaEN
Citações recebidas12
Referências citadas67

The prevalence of overweight and obesity is increasing in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). There is a need for theoretical frameworks to catalyze further research and to inform the development of multi-level, context-appropriate interventions. In this commentary, we propose a preliminary ecological theoretical framework to conceptualize factors that contribute to increases in overweight and obesity in SSA. The framework is based on a Causality Continuum model [Coreil et al. Social and Behavioral Foundations of Public Health. Sage Publications, Thousand Oaks] that considers distant, intermediate and proximate influences. The influences incorporated in the model include globalization and urbanization as distant factors; occupation, social relationships, built environment and cultural perceptions of weight as intermediate factors and caloric intake, physical inactivity and genetics as proximate factors. The model illustrates the interaction of factors along a continuum, from the individual to the global marketplace, in shaping trends in overweight and obesity in SSA. The framework will be presented, each influence elucidated and implications for research and intervention development discussed. There is a tremendous need for further research on obesity in SSA. An improved evidence base will serve to validate and develop the proposed framework further.

Biology · Causality (physics) · Context (archaeology) · Ecological psychology · Ecological systems theory · Environmental health · Geography · Globalization · Obesity · Overweight · Perception · Political science · Psychological intervention · Public health · Social ecological model · Social ecology · Urbanization · Ecology · Global Public Health Policies and Epidemiology · Health disparities and outcomes · Medicine · Obesity, Physical Activity, Diet · Psychology · Social Psychology