Publication Date
10-2013
Abstract
This paper focuses on type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and the significant health implications it has on individuals living in currently disadvantaged peri-urban areas in South Africa. Given the significant public health and socio-economic burden South Africa faces due to scarce resources and escalating rates of chronic diseases, prevention strategies which impact on modifiable risk factors for T2DM are vital. The population of interest was children and adolescents living in informal settlements on the outskirts of Cape Town. The suggested behaviour change was the increase and maintenance of a more physically active and healthy lifestyle, thereby facilitating weight loss and lowering the risk for developing T2DM. Brief motivational interviewing (BMI) based interventions, aimed at encouraging children and adolescents to modify their behaviour patterns are introduced. Transformative communication, self-efficacy and social support are also emphasised as crucial factors contributing to the promotion and maintenance of the desired health behaviour changes.
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