What Factors Impact on the Integration of Lifestyle Modification in Chronic Disease Management in Low and Middle-Income Countries
Abstract:
As Non-Communicable Chronic Diseases (NCDs) grow in Low- and
Middle-Income Countries (LMICs), the need for effective sustainable strategies
in prevention and management of these conditions becomes critical. Lifestyle
change (e.g., healthier eating, physical activity, stress management, and less
tobacco use) are now considered the primary and sustainable approaches in addressing
NCDs. While lifestyle, changing lifestyle proven clinically to be a cost
effective in managing NCDs, it is an approach that is highly dependent on a
variety of factors that affect a person’s behaviour and their ability to achieve
and sustain it. The purpose of this review was to identify these factors that
impact the adoption and successful integration of lifestyle modification in
management of NCDs in LMICs. A qualitative literature review and narrative
synthesis were employed in this study. Published peer reviewed, randomised
controlled trials searched from global data base such as PubMed, Google Scholar
etc were retrieved and analysed. The search was restricted to the period from
2018 to 2025. A comparative matrix was used to evaluate data from selected studies to evaluate the population, type of
intervention, and as well as the outcomes. Thematic analysis was applied to highlight
what is deemed to be the barriers as well what is deemed as facilitators for
successful integration of lifestyle modification in management of NCDs. The narrative synthesis indicated that though
lifestyle modification interventions positively impact the management of NCDs,
full integration is hindered by unsupportive healthcare infrastructure, low
health literacy, financial constrains, as well as rigid cultural norms and
practices. However, there is evidence that community led programs, application
of digital health technologies, and adoption of models that integrate lifestyle
modification into primary health care may have a positive impact on successful
integration of lifestyle modification in
managing NCDs in LMICs. The study is
concluded with implications for context-driven strategies, sustainable policy,
and multisector collaboration to foster sustainable and attainable lifestyle
change within resource-limited contexts.
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