Dietary Drivers of Non-Communicable Diseases Among Women of Reproductive Age in Sub-Saharan Africa; Evidence from a Scoping Review
1
Non Communicable Diseases Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC), Parrow valley, Tygerberg, Cape Town, South Africa
2
School of Molecular and Life Sciences, Department of Physiology and Environmental Health, University of Limpopo, Polokwane 0727, South Africa
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):A2831
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
Diet-related non-communicable diseases (NCDs), including hypertension, type 2 and gestational diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular risk, and micronutrient deficiencies, are rising globally. Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) faces a unique convergence of undernutrition, overnutrition, and systemic health inequities. Women of reproductive age (WRA) are disproportionately affected, with nutritional and metabolic risks accumulating across reproductive stages, compounded by sociocultural and structural barriers to optimal diet and care.
OBJECTIVE:
To examine dietary factors contributing to NCD risk among WRA in SSA and identify evidence gaps to inform gender-responsive interventions.
METHODS:
A scoping review of 19 peer-reviewed studies from diverse SSA settings was conducted, focusing on dietary intake, nutritional status, and NCD outcomes among women of reproductive age. Studies were identified through PubMed, Scopus, and African Journals Online using predefined eligibility criteria. Data were charted and thematically synthesized to extract prevalence estimates, dietary patterns, and contextual determinants. An adapted ecological framework was developed to illustrate multilevel pathways linking diet to NCD outcomes.
RESULTS:
High consumption of ultra-processed foods, salty snacks, and sugar-sweetened beverages was consistently associated with obesity, hypertension, and type 2 diabetes. Central obesity affected nearly half of WRA, while iron and vitamin A deficiencies were prevalent, particularly in pregnancy. Urban residence doubled the risk of coexisting obesity and micronutrient deficiencies, highlighting stark urban–rural disparities.
CONCLUSIONS:
Addressing diet-related NCDs among women of reproductive age requires integrated strategies that combine nutrition education, self-care, and quality healthcare. Community-based programs, digital innovations, and gender-responsive policies are critical to closing equity gaps. Advocacy must drive resource mobilization, policy influence, and multi-sectoral partnerships to translate evidence into action and advance health equity for women in sub-Saharan Africa.
Diet-related non-communicable diseases (NCDs), including hypertension, type 2 and gestational diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular risk, and micronutrient deficiencies, are rising globally. Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) faces a unique convergence of undernutrition, overnutrition, and systemic health inequities. Women of reproductive age (WRA) are disproportionately affected, with nutritional and metabolic risks accumulating across reproductive stages, compounded by sociocultural and structural barriers to optimal diet and care.
OBJECTIVE:
To examine dietary factors contributing to NCD risk among WRA in SSA and identify evidence gaps to inform gender-responsive interventions.
METHODS:
A scoping review of 19 peer-reviewed studies from diverse SSA settings was conducted, focusing on dietary intake, nutritional status, and NCD outcomes among women of reproductive age. Studies were identified through PubMed, Scopus, and African Journals Online using predefined eligibility criteria. Data were charted and thematically synthesized to extract prevalence estimates, dietary patterns, and contextual determinants. An adapted ecological framework was developed to illustrate multilevel pathways linking diet to NCD outcomes.
RESULTS:
High consumption of ultra-processed foods, salty snacks, and sugar-sweetened beverages was consistently associated with obesity, hypertension, and type 2 diabetes. Central obesity affected nearly half of WRA, while iron and vitamin A deficiencies were prevalent, particularly in pregnancy. Urban residence doubled the risk of coexisting obesity and micronutrient deficiencies, highlighting stark urban–rural disparities.
CONCLUSIONS:
Addressing diet-related NCDs among women of reproductive age requires integrated strategies that combine nutrition education, self-care, and quality healthcare. Community-based programs, digital innovations, and gender-responsive policies are critical to closing equity gaps. Advocacy must drive resource mobilization, policy influence, and multi-sectoral partnerships to translate evidence into action and advance health equity for women in sub-Saharan Africa.
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
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