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Review
. 2025 Oct;12(5):3024-3068.
doi: 10.1007/s40615-024-02112-y. Epub 2024 Aug 15.

Diet and Physical Activity Interventions for People from Minority Ethnic Backgrounds in the UK: A Scoping Review Exploring Barriers, Enablers and Cultural Adaptations

Thando Katangwe-Chigamba  1 , Kumud Kantilal  2 , Joseph Hartley-Palmer  3 , Shukrat O Salisu-Olatunji  4 , Carys Seeley  5 , Felix Naughton  3 , Rachel Chester  3
Affiliations
Review

Diet and Physical Activity Interventions for People from Minority Ethnic Backgrounds in the UK: A Scoping Review Exploring Barriers, Enablers and Cultural Adaptations

Thando Katangwe-Chigamba et al. J Racial Ethn Health Disparities. 2025 Oct.

Abstract

Background: Type 2 diabetes (T2D) and cardiovascular disease (CVD) are a global pandemic, driven by obesity, poor diet and physical inactivity. In the UK, the prevalence of T2D and CVD is higher in minority ethnic groups. Lifestyle prevention interventions can be effective but uptake amongst minority ethnic groups in the UK is low and the extent of cultural adaptations to increase engagement unknown.

Aim: To explore barriers, enablers and culturally adapted lifestyle interventions in UK minority ethnic groups.

Methods: Four electronic databases were searched from to January 2013-2023. Two independent reviewers carried out manuscript selection and data extraction. Barriers and enablers were mapped to the Capability + Opportunity + Motivation = Behaviour (COM-B) theoretical model. Intervention adaptations were linked to behaviour change strategies and reported within a Cultural Adaptation framework.

Results: Twenty-three studies were included, reporting barriers/enablers, culturally adapted interventions or both. Barriers and enablers mostly mapped to social and physical opportunity, and reflective motivation. Common adaptation strategies considered behavioural influences related to culture, values, religious beliefs and/or traditions. Most impactful strategies were associated with using credible sources of information and reorganising social and environmental contexts.

Discussion and conclusions: The current umbrella approach to preventative intervention delivery is unlikely to promote sustained participation in behaviour change amongst UK ethnic minorities. Engagement strategies for this population should consider key determinants such as social contexts, beliefs and cultural norms. Important research gaps include interventions investigating tailored interventions for Black populations, and the impact of negative social experiences (e.g., racism) on engagement.

Keywords: Diabetes Prevention; Cultural adaptations; Ethnic minority; Lifestyle interventions; Tailored interventions.

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Conflict of interest statement

Declarations. Ethics Approval: This is a scoping review; therefore, no ethical approval is required. Completing Interests: The authors have no relevant financial or non-financial interests to disclose.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
PRISMA flow diagram
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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