Community-driven interventions for the prevention of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in urban South Asia: a scoping review protocol

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs), including heart disease, stroke, cancer, diabetes and chronic lung disease, are collectively responsible for 74% of all deaths worldwide with the greatest burden documented in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) like those in South Asia. The urban population in South Asia is rapidly expanding, with cities experiencing significant lifestyle shifts. These urban-specific factors include sedentary lifestyles, dietary changes, pollution, and socio-economic stressors, all of which contribute to the region’s escalating NCD rates. Given the limitations of healthcare systems in addressing these multi-faceted challenges, community-driven interventions have gained traction. Community-driven initiatives are considered a viable approach to address NCDs because they utilise local knowledge, resources, and relationships, potentially increasing intervention sustainability and cultural alignment. This review aims to map and analyse community-driven interventions targeting major and prevalent NCDs in urban settings across South Asia. By identifying the factors affecting the success and adaption of interventions, this review will contribute insights on contextually relevant health interventions for urban South Asian communities, where existing research on NCD intervention effectiveness is limited.