Exploring self-care practices, experiences, and interventions among adolescents and young adults with type 1 diabetes in Sub-Saharan Africa: a scoping review protocol.

Abstract

This scoping review aims to systematically explore the extent, nature, and gaps in the existing literature on self-care practices among adolescents and young adults aged 10-24 years living with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1D) in Sub-Saharan Africa. The review will examine self-care knowledge, attitudes, practices, perceived barriers and facilitators, and interventions developed to support self-care. Type 1 diabetes mellitus accounts for approximately 5-10% of all diabetes cases globally and disproportionately affects children and young people in low- and middle-income countries. Adolescence and young adulthood are critical developmental periods during which self-care behaviours are established and may influence long-term health outcomes. In Sub-Saharan Africa, adolescents and young adults with T1D face challenges including limited healthcare infrastructure, inadequate disease awareness, restricted access to insulin and diabetes supplies, and high out-of-pocket costs. This scoping review will include quantitative and qualitative studies, systematic reviews, and grey literature published in English from January 2004 onwards. The review will follow the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology for scoping reviews. A three-step search strategy will be applied across PubMed, MEDLINE, Web of Science, CINAHL, and Embase. Two independent reviewers will screen titles, abstracts, and full texts. Data will be extracted using a structured tool and synthesised using narrative, tabular, graphical, and thematic approaches.