Mapping food and physical activity environments in low- and middle-income countries: A systematised review. (May 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Muzenda, Trish; Dambisya, Philip Mbulalina; Kamkuemah, Monika; Gausi, Blessings; Battersby, Jane; Oni, Tolu
• Is Part Of: Health & place. Volume 75(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-05
• Subjects: Food environment -- Physical activity environment -- Built environment -- Obesogenic environment -- Low- and middle-income country -- LMIC; Health -- Social aspects -- Periodicals; Health services accessibility -- Periodicals; Public health -- Periodicals; Political planning -- Periodicals; Social medicine -- Periodicals; Epidemiology -- Periodicals; Health Policy -- Periodicals; Health Services Accessibility -- Periodicals; Public Health -- Periodicals; Public Policy -- Periodicals; Sociology, Medical -- Periodicals; Épidémiologie -- Périodiques; Politique sanitaire -- Périodiques; Santé, Services de -- Accessibilité -- Périodiques; Health services accessibility; Health -- Social aspects; Political planning; Public health; Social medicine; Periodicals; 613
• DOI: 10.1016/j.healthplace.2022.102809
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1353-8292

Abstract

Abstract: This systematised literature review synthesised evidence on approaches to mapping food and physical activity (PA) environments in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Of the 60 articles included, 25 and 35 mapped food and PA environments respectively. All studies were cross-sectional with researcher-led data collection. Three types of mapping tools were identified – maps (n = 18), GPS (n = 10), and GIS (n = 37). Our findings point to a paucity of research mapping food and PA environments, overall and particularly subjective domains. We highlight a need for future studies that utilise innovative, inexpensive and participatory research methods to understand dynamic exposures to obesogenic environment features in resource-constrained contexts undergoing rapid urbanisation. Highlights: There is paucity in research mapping food and physical activity environments in LMICs. All LMIC studies were cross-sectional, and all data collection was researcher led. GIS techniques were most utilised for mapping food and physical activity environments. Mixed methods are required to map key aspects of food and physical activity environments. Inexpensive community participatory methods can address mapping constraints in LMICs.