Testing a self-determination theory model of healthy eating in a South African township

Abstract

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is one of the leading causes of death and disability, and its prevalence has been growing rapidly in sub-Saharan Africa (International Diabetes Federation, 2017). In response to this T2D pandemic, engaging in healthy lifestyle activities such as healthy eating, can substantially reduce the risk of T2D onset and complications (International Diabetes Federation, 2017). However, maintaining a healthy diet has been shown challenging and motivation is believed to be a crucial factor, also because the benefits are often not immediately apparent (Kwasnicka et al., 2019).