Supplementary information files for Community perceptions on the factors in the social food environment that influence dietary behaviour in cities of Kenya and Ghana: a Photovoice study

dataset

posted on 2023-01-31, 15:04 authored by Milkah N. Wanjohi, Rebecca PradeillesRebecca Pradeilles, Gershim Asiki, Michelle Holdsworth, Elizabeth W Kimani-Murage, Stella K. Muthuri, Ana Irache, Amos Laar, Francis Zotor, Akua Tandoh, Senam Klomegah, Fiona Graham, Hibbah Araba Osei-Kwasi, Mark A Green, Nathaniel Coleman, Kobby Mensah, Robert Akparibo, Richmond Aryeteey, Emily RoushamEmily Rousham, Nicolas Bricas, Marco Bohr, Paula GriffithsPaula Griffiths

Supplementary files for article Community perceptions on the factors in the social food environment that influence dietary behaviour in cities of Kenya and Ghana: a Photovoice study

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 photographs. Thematic analysis was conducted, using data driven and theory-driven (based on the socio-ecological model) approaches.

Setting

Three low-income areas of Nairobi (n=48) in Kenya, and Accra (n=62) and Ho (n=32) in Ghana. Participants Adolescents and adults, male and female aged ≥13 years.

Results

The 'people' who were the most commonly reported as influencers of dietary behaviours within the social food environment included family members, friends, health workers and food vendors. They mainly influenced food purchase, preparation and consumption, through 1) considerations for family members' food preferences, 2) considerations for family members' health and nutrition needs, 3) social support by family and friends, 4) provision of nutritional advice and modelling food behaviour by parents and health professionals, 5) food vendors' services and social qualities.

Conclusions

The family presents an opportunity for promoting healthy dietary behaviours between family members. Peer groups could be harnessed to promote healthy dietary behaviours among adolescents and youth. Empowering food vendors to provide healthier and safer food options could enhance healthier food sourcing, purchasing and consumption in African low-income urban communities.