Voluntary counselling and testing for Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) has always been one of the key policy interventions in the management and control of HIV/AIDS transmission. However, the prevalence of HIV testing among reproductive women in the Gambia remains low despite near universal information about HIV and Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) in the Gambia. Understanding factors influencing HIV testing uptake provides empirical data for the development of targeted evidenced-based strategies aimed at enhancing HIV testing uptake. Therefore, this study examined the factors associated with HIV testing among reproductive women aged 15–49 years in the Gambia. Data on weighted sample of 11,865 women from the 2019–2020 Gambia Demographic and Health Survey were analyzed in this study. Chi square, bivariate and multivariate logistic regression models were fitted and analysis conducted through Complex Samples Analysis in Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). Level of significance was set at p < 0.05 and 95% CI. Further analysis was conducted to determine the variability in HIV testing among women stratified by rural and urban centers. Prevalence of HIV testing among reproductive women was 42.1% (95% CI = 40.1–44.2%) in the Gambia. Women aged 20–24 years and 25–29 years (aOR = 3.10, 95% CI = 2.51–3.83) and (aOR = 4.52, 95% CI = 3.61–5.54) were more likely to test for HIV than those aged 15–19 years, respectively. Married women (aOR = 5.90, 95% CI = 4.84–7.02) were more likely to test for HIV compared to those who were not in any union. Respondents with higher education in urban centers (aOR = 2.65, 95% CI = 2.08–3.86) were likely to test for HIV compared to those in rural areas. HIV testing in the Gambia among reproductive women is low. Age, marital status, wealth index, place of residence, educational level, recent sexual activity, previous history of risky sexual behaviors, and history of an STI were associated with HIV testing. Health interventions targeted at increasing HIV testing uptake should factor in these.

A critical understanding of the interrelationship between two behavioral decisions—participating in physical activity, and eating healthily—is lacking in Ghana. This study aimed to determine which factors affect each of the two behavioral decisions, jointly and separately, among adults aged 18 years or older in three metropolises (Kumasi, Accra, and Tamale) of Ghana. The data from the Ghana Obesity Survey 2021 were used. A bivariate probit model was fitted to estimate nonlinear models that indicate an individual’s joint decision to participate in physical activity and consume a healthy diet. A positive correlation (r = 0.085; p < 0.05) was found between these two decisions, indicating a relationship between these two behavioral decisions. The common correlates between these decisions were self-reported good health status, high income, and attitudes toward being overweight. Men were more likely to be physically active but less likely to eat well. Both religion and culture determined participation in physical activity, but not the consumption of a healthy diet. Marital status determined diet, but not physical activity. The new knowledge gained from this analysis around the nature and the extent of the interconnectedness between physical activity and diet is critical to devising targeted interventions for obesity prevention in Ghana.

Objectives: Obesity prevalence is increasing in West Africa. This study explores obesity determinants in West Africa to inform policy. Methods: Scopus, Web of Science and PsycINFO were searched for relevant papers from March to April 2020. The search strategy included combinations of key words specific to each database. Eligibility criteria included studies on obesity determinants conducted in West Africa, and involving participants aged eighteen years and above. The quality of the studies was appraised using the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality checklist. Data was synthesized qualitatively. Results: Sixty-three (63) papers were selected. Majority of the studies originated from Ghana (n=22) and Nigeria (n=19). All included studies used cross-sectional study design. In all, 36 determinants were identified, of which 20 were demographic, socio-economic, lifestyle and biological factors, and sixteen 16 were environmental factors, like physical proximity to fast food outlets. Increasing age (OR=0.09, 95% CI= 0.12 to 65.91) and being a woman (OR=1.38, 95% CI=1.18 to 55.40) were the common determinants of obesity in West Africa. Conclusion: Obesity in West Africa is determined by complex multi-faceted factors. There is an urgent need for robust engagement with wider stakeholder groups to develop obesity prevention and control policies in West Africa.

Introduction: The increasing prevalence of obesity in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) has made it a pressing public health issue that requires effective interventions tailored to the unique challenges in the region. This protocol outlines a systematic review approach that aims to examine the existing evidence on obesity interventions in SSA, focusing on their effectiveness, implementation strategies, and potential barriers. Methods and analysis: To identify relevant studies in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), MEDLINE (PubMed), MEDLINE (EBSCOHost), Scopus, Web of Science, PsycINFO, Cochrane, and EMBASE databases will be searched during the review. Studies on obesity interventions in SSA will be considered for inclusion criteria, encompassing various intervention types, target populations, and study designs. Abstracts and titles will be independently assessed by two reviewers, who are aware of the author and journal information. A third reviewer will be consulted for cases where agreement was not reached or when clarity will be needed. The methodological quality of the included research will be assessed using the "Effective Public Health Practise Project quality assessment tool for quantitative studies. For data synthesis and reporting, two independent reviewers will assign effect scores to each intervention's outcome category (dietary behaviour, physical activity, or anthropometric outcomes) through a duplicate scoring exercise. Ethics and dissemination: Since no original data will be collected as part of this review, ethical approval is not required. The completed review will be submitted for publication in a peer-reviewed journal and presented at conferences. PROSPERO registration number: CRD42023430503