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

## TL;DR

This study will map existing research on self-care practices for young people with type 1 diabetes in Sub-Saharan Africa to identify gaps and guide future efforts.

## Contribution

The study introduces a systematic scoping review protocol to explore self-care practices among adolescents and young adults with type 1 diabetes in Sub-Saharan Africa.

## Key findings

- The review will map evidence on self-care practices among adolescents and young adults with type 1 diabetes in Sub-Saharan Africa.
- It will identify gaps in knowledge, experiences, and interventions related to self-care for this population.

## 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.

Main findings: This protocol outlines a scoping review to map evidence on self-care among adolescents and young adults with type 1 diabetes in Sub-Saharan Africa.Added knowledge: The review will synthesise fragmented evidence and identify gaps in self-care knowledge, experiences, and interventions.Global health impact for policy and action: This scoping review will map existing evidence on self-care among adolescents and young adults with type 1 diabetes in sub-Saharan Africa, providing an overview of literature relevant to global health research and policy considerations.

Main findings: This protocol outlines a scoping review to map evidence on self-care among adolescents and young adults with type 1 diabetes in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Added knowledge: The review will synthesise fragmented evidence and identify gaps in self-care knowledge, experiences, and interventions.

Global health impact for policy and action: This scoping review will map existing evidence on self-care among adolescents and young adults with type 1 diabetes in sub-Saharan Africa, providing an overview of literature relevant to global health research and policy considerations.