Social Determinants of Physical Activity and Healthy Diet Consumption Among Adolescents Living With HIV in Ifakara town, Tanzania
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Date
2025-08
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NM-AIST
Abstract
Insufficient physical activity and poor dietary habits are among the important risk factors for non-communicable diseases (NCDs) worldwide. While NCDs typically impact adults, these risk factors frequently emerge in adolescents, enhancing future NCD risk. In Tanzania, adolescents living with HIV (ALHIV) are at risk for NCDs due to HIV-related chronic inflammation and side effects of long-term antiretroviral therapy, as well as low physical activity and unhealthy eating. This qualitative study looked into the factors that influence physical activity and healthy diet consumption among ALHIV in Ifakara Town. A cross- sectional phenomenological qualitative study was conducted with ALHIV aged 15 to 19 and their parents and caregivers from the Kilombero and Ulanga Antiretroviral Cohort (KIULARCO). Between May and July 2024, 22 in-depth interviews with ALHIV were done, as were ten interviews with parents and caregivers. Thematic content analysis was carried out with NVivo 14 software. The coding approach employed both inductive and deductive coding techniques, with inductive codes obtained from the participants' tales and deductive codes developed using IDI guides and theoretical conceptions. The findings were theoretically categorized using the socio-ecological theory's intrapersonal, interpersonal, and community levels. Adolescents living with HIV and their parents/caregivers showed some awareness of physical activity and healthy eating and acknowledged the role of these behaviors in managing HIV and preventing NCDs. However, there were still gaps in their understanding. Physical activity among ALHIV was influenced by intrapersonal factors (limited time and inadequate knowledge); interpersonal (support from family and peers); and community-level (gender norms, negative perceptions, and lack of proper facilities). Similarly, healthy eating was shaped by intrapersonal factors (limited autonomy, weight concerns, and individual food
preferences); interpersonal factors (low household income and having a large family); and community-level influences (the widespread availability of fast food). The findings highlight a range of factors influencing both physical activity and dietary habits of ALHIV. This study underscores the need to involve the community, parents, and caregivers in the efforts to create a supportive environment that promotes a better lifestyle for ALHIV and tackles the barriers to physical activity and healthy eating. To further emphasize and reinforce these two health behaviors in this population, physical activity and nutrition education need to be incorporated into HIV care guidelines and programs as part of day-to-day HIV care.
Sustainable Development Goals
SDG -3 : Good Health and Well-being
SDG -10 : Reduced Inequalities