Health and illness beliefs of neurodegenerative conditions in Africa: A Scoping Review Protocol.

<p dir="ltr"><b>Abstract</b></p><p dir="ltr"><b><i>Objective</i></b></p><p dir="ltr">This scoping review aims to explore the factors influencing cultural beliefs about health, illness, disability and help seeking in relation to Neurogenerative conditions across Africa. It also seeks to understand how these beliefs impact treatment choices and shape community perceptions of individuals living with such conditions.</p><p dir="ltr"><b><i>Introduction</i></b></p><p dir="ltr">Neurodegenerative diseases, present an increasing burden to global health, with central and western sub-Saharan Africa found to have the highest nervous system burden in 2021. Yet the limited public awareness and low health literacy alongside religious and cultural beliefs have contributed to a culture of stigma. Consequently, impacting on quality of life of those living with neurodegenerative conditions across the continent.</p><p dir="ltr"><b><i>Inclusion Criteria</i></b></p><p dir="ltr">Individuals diagnosed with a neurodegenerative condition, their families/ caregivers. Healthcare professionals, traditional healers or community members who have an understanding of neurodegenerative conditions. Sources must explore beliefs, attitudes or practices relating to health or illness in the context of neurodegenerative conditions.</p><p dir="ltr"><b><i>Methods</i></b></p><p dir="ltr">The review will follow the Joanna Briggs Institute method for scoping reviews and adhere to the Preferred Reporting for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRSIMA-ScR) checklist. Searches will be conducted in Scopus, PsychInfo, Medline, EBSCO and Web of Science, with no publication date or language restrictions. Two reviewers will independently screen full texts for eligibility, resolving disagreements through discussion or a third reviewer. Data will be extracted and charted, with findings presented in tabular format alongside a thematic narrative.</p>