Preventing Multimorbidity with Lifestyle Interventions in Sub-Saharan Africa: A New Challenge for Public Health in Low and Middle-Income Countries

Alkhatib, Ahmad; Nnyanzi, Lawrence A.; Mujuni, Brian; Amanya, Geofrey; Ibingira, Charles

Preventing Multimorbidity with Lifestyle Interventions in Sub-Saharan Africa: A New Challenge for Public Health in Low and Middle-Income Countries

Date

2021

Authors

Alkhatib, Ahmad

Nnyanzi, Lawrence A.

Mujuni, Brian

Amanya, Geofrey

Ibingira, Charles

Publisher

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health

Abstract

Objectives: Low and Middle-Income Countries are experiencing a fast-paced epidemiological rise in clusters of non-communicable diseases such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease, forming an imminent rise in multimorbidity. However, preventing multimorbidity has received little attention in LMICs, especially in Sub-Saharan African Countries. Methods: Narrative review which scoped the most recent evidence in LMICs about multimorbidity determinants and appropriated them for potential multimorbidity prevention strategies. Results: MMD in LMICs is affected by several determinants including increased age, female sex, environment, lower socio-economic status, obesity, and lifestyle behaviours, especially poor nutrition, and physical inactivity. Multimorbidity public health interventions in LMICs, especially in Sub-Saharan Africa are currently impeded by local and regional economic disparity, underdeveloped healthcare systems, and concurrent prevalence of communicable and non-communicable diseases. However, lifestyle interventions that are targeted towards preventing highly prevalent multimorbidity clusters, especially hypertension, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease, can provide early prevention of multimorbidity, especially within Sub- Saharan African countries with emerging economies and socio-economic disparity. Conclusion: Future public health initiatives should consider targeted lifestyle interventions and appropriate policies and guidelines in preventing multimorbidity in LMICs.

Keywords

multimorbidit, non-communicable diseases, lifestyle prevention, public health, low and middle-income countries

Citation

Alkhatib, A.; Nnyanzi, L.A.; Mujuni, B.; Amanya, G.; Ibingira, C. Preventing Multimorbidity with Lifestyle Interventions in Sub-Saharan Africa: A New Challenge for Public Health in Low and Middle-Income Countries. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18, 12449. https://doi.org/10.3390/ ijerph182312449