Precision prevention interventions for non‑communicable diseases among youth in sub‑Saharan Africa: A scoping review
Precision prevention interventions for non‑communicable diseases among youth in sub‑Saharan Africa: A scoping review
Background. : hypertension significantly contributes to the global burden of cardiovascular disease, especially in low- and middle- income
countries, including sub-Saharan Africa.
Objective: to identify existing interventions targeting hypertension prevention among youth aged 13 - 25 years and evaluate the
incorporation of precision prevention strategies. In doing so, this review seeks to guide future efforts in reducing hypertension among young populations in SSA.
Methods: we conducted a scoping review aimed to identify interventions for hypertension risk reduction in SSA and map research in
this area. Searches across academic databases and grey literature identified 3 301 articles. After removing duplicates, 3 089 articles were screened, with data extracted using a custom template on Covidence and analysed descriptively using narrative synthesis.
Results: the review identified 6 interventions targeting hypertension prevention among youth in SSA. While some interventions reported
efficacy in improving adherence to dietary guidelines and physical activity, others showed mixed results, particularly regarding substance use. Interventions varied in design, setting, and duration, with a focus on internal (psychological/knowledge-based) and external (health behaviour) conditions. None of the interventions utilised precision prevention methodologies.
Conclusion: this review identified limited but diverse youth-focused interventions for NCD prevention in SSA, none specifically targeting
hypertension or using precision prevention (PP). Despite structural and sociocultural barriers, tailored PP strategies, youth involvement, and theory-based frameworks show promise for enhancing engagement, sustainability, and impact in hypertension prevention for high risk youth in SSA.
youth, paediatric, hypertension, sub-Saharan Africa, lifestyle, diet, healthy living medicine, precision medicine, precision prevention, precision intervantion
Samakosky, Madeleine J.
92199c75-b77f-4f62-b0dc-d93f28584c11
Norris, Shane A.
1d346f1b-6d5f-4bca-ac87-7589851b75a4
Samakosky, S.S.
24e9b63f-27e9-4149-9b77-6c429de5abd8
Samakosky, Madeleine J.
92199c75-b77f-4f62-b0dc-d93f28584c11
Norris, Shane A.
1d346f1b-6d5f-4bca-ac87-7589851b75a4
Samakosky, S.S.
24e9b63f-27e9-4149-9b77-6c429de5abd8
Samakosky, Madeleine J., Norris, Shane A. and Samakosky, S.S.
(2026)
Precision prevention interventions for non‑communicable diseases among youth in sub‑Saharan Africa: A scoping review.
SAJCH South African Journal of Child Health, 20 (1), [e2841].
(doi:10.7196/SAJCH.2026.v20i1.2841).
Abstract
Background. : hypertension significantly contributes to the global burden of cardiovascular disease, especially in low- and middle- income
countries, including sub-Saharan Africa.
Objective: to identify existing interventions targeting hypertension prevention among youth aged 13 - 25 years and evaluate the
incorporation of precision prevention strategies. In doing so, this review seeks to guide future efforts in reducing hypertension among young populations in SSA.
Methods: we conducted a scoping review aimed to identify interventions for hypertension risk reduction in SSA and map research in
this area. Searches across academic databases and grey literature identified 3 301 articles. After removing duplicates, 3 089 articles were screened, with data extracted using a custom template on Covidence and analysed descriptively using narrative synthesis.
Results: the review identified 6 interventions targeting hypertension prevention among youth in SSA. While some interventions reported
efficacy in improving adherence to dietary guidelines and physical activity, others showed mixed results, particularly regarding substance use. Interventions varied in design, setting, and duration, with a focus on internal (psychological/knowledge-based) and external (health behaviour) conditions. None of the interventions utilised precision prevention methodologies.
Conclusion: this review identified limited but diverse youth-focused interventions for NCD prevention in SSA, none specifically targeting
hypertension or using precision prevention (PP). Despite structural and sociocultural barriers, tailored PP strategies, youth involvement, and theory-based frameworks show promise for enhancing engagement, sustainability, and impact in hypertension prevention for high risk youth in SSA.
Text
SAJCH+2841+(RESEARCH)
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Submitted date: 26 November 2024
Accepted/In Press date: 11 November 2025
e-pub ahead of print date: 16 April 2026
Keywords:
youth, paediatric, hypertension, sub-Saharan Africa, lifestyle, diet, healthy living medicine, precision medicine, precision prevention, precision intervantion
Identifiers
Local EPrints ID: 511646
URI: http://eprints.soton.ac.uk/id/eprint/511646
ISSN: 1994-3032
PURE UUID: 6e8ea74c-439c-4efc-87d0-8f9327965f17
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Date deposited: 26 May 2026 16:47
Last modified: 27 May 2026 01:58
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Contributors
Author:
Madeleine J. Samakosky
Author:
S.S. Samakosky
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