Abstract
Introduction A significant proportion of global mortality and morbidity from chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs) occur in African countries. Evidence-based guidelines recommend physical activity behaviour change, but this may be hampered by the predominant acute health care model in Africa. Purpose To identify behaviour change intervention components for improving physical activity in people with NCDs in Africa. Methods Eight bibliographic databases and grey literature were searched for clinical trials and qualitative studies in Africa. Mixed methods appraisal tool was used for quality assessment. A four stage systematic review using sequential explanatory syntheses was done. Effectiveness of physical activity related interventions in improving biomedical outcomes and physical activity was determined from clinical trials in the first and second stages. Thirdly, intervention components, acceptable to patients were identified from qualitative studies. Fourthly, comparative analysis of quantitative and qualitative findings was done to determine if/what acceptable intervention components improved physical activity. Results Five randomised controlled trials, four pre-and-post clinical trials and two qualitative studies were identified. Low quality evidence suggests that physical activity is improved in the short term and sports activity in the long term in Africa. Acceptable intervention components included self-help materials, actual performance of physical activity, facilitating social support, addressing environmental barriers, and health professionals/facilities that supported physical activity. Moderate quality evidence suggests that behavioural rehearsal/practice, habit formation, restructuring the physical and social environment may contribute to long term physical activity behaviour. Low quality evidence alludes to the fact that providing information about health consequences may support short-term physical activity behaviour in Africa. However, many identified intervention components have not been fully explored or tested. Conclusion Influence of identified intervention components in facilitating physical activity need investigating in high quality trials.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Title of host publication | Behaviour change intervention components for improving physical activity in people with chronic non-communicable diseases in Africa: A systematic mixed-studies review |
| Publisher | Public health PhD symposium, Liverpool, United Kingdom |
| Publication status | Published - 7 Jul 2016 |
