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Assessing adolescent diet and physical activity behaviour, knowledge and awareness in low- and middle-income countries: a systematised review of quantitative epidemiological tools

Published version
Peer-reviewed

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Authors

Muzenda, Trish 
Kamkuemah, Monika 
Battersby, Jane 
Oni, Tolu 

Abstract

Abstract: Purpose: Quantitative epidemiological tools are routinely used to assess adolescent diet and physical activity (PA) constructs (behaviour, knowledge, and awareness) as risk factors for non-communicable diseases. This study sought to synthesize evidence on the quantitative epidemiological tools that have been used to assess adolescent diet and PA constructs in low to middle-income countries (LMIC). Methods: A systematised review was conducted using 3 databases (EbscoHost, Scopus and Web of Science). Results: We identified 292 LMIC studies assessing adolescent diet and PA. Identified studies predominantly explored behavioural (90%) constructs with a paucity of studies investigating knowledge and awareness. The majority of studies used subjective (94%) and self-administered (78%) tools. Only 39% of LMIC studies used tools validated for their contexts. Conclusions: The findings highlight the need for more contextual tools for assessing adolescent diet and PA in LMICs. Diet and PA measurement tools used in future research will need to incorporate measures of knowledge and awareness for a more comprehensive understanding of the epidemiology of diet and PA in adolescents. Furthermore, there is a need for more evidence on the reliability and validity of these tools for use, in both cross sectional and longitudinal studies, in LMIC contexts.

Description

Keywords

Research, Adolescent, Diet, Physical activity, Assessment, Epidemiological tools, low- and middle-income countries, LMIC

Journal Title

BMC Public Health

Conference Name

Journal ISSN

1471-2458

Volume Title

22

Publisher

BioMed Central
Sponsorship
International Development Research Centre (108458)
National Institute for Health Research (16/137/34)