Music as an implementation strategy for evidence-based health interventions in Africa: a systematic review using the RE-AIM framework
Abstract Background While a growing body of scientific literature suggests that evidence-based interventions may improve health outcomes in diverse settings, little is known about the best strategies for large-scale implementation. In Africa, music—an important positive social determinant of health—...
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BMC
2025-05-01
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| Series: | Implementation Science Communications |
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| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1186/s43058-025-00741-w |
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| author | Chidi Okafor Shravya Allena Olufunto A. Olusanya Ucheoma Nwaozuru Ifedola Olojo Amenze Eguavoen Njideka Okubadejo Rajesh Vedanthan Collins Airhihenbuwa Olajide Williams Olugbenga G. Ogedegbe David Oladele Temitope Ojo Oliver Ezechi Joseph D. Tucker Juliet Iwelunmor |
| author_facet | Chidi Okafor Shravya Allena Olufunto A. Olusanya Ucheoma Nwaozuru Ifedola Olojo Amenze Eguavoen Njideka Okubadejo Rajesh Vedanthan Collins Airhihenbuwa Olajide Williams Olugbenga G. Ogedegbe David Oladele Temitope Ojo Oliver Ezechi Joseph D. Tucker Juliet Iwelunmor |
| author_sort | Chidi Okafor |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Abstract Background While a growing body of scientific literature suggests that evidence-based interventions may improve health outcomes in diverse settings, little is known about the best strategies for large-scale implementation. In Africa, music—an important positive social determinant of health—leverages existing cultural values, which may effectively enhance the reach, uptake, and long-term sustainability of evidence-based interventions in the region. To understand how music interventions work, why they are effective, and with whom they resonate, this systematic review aims to evaluate the quality and empirical application of music as an implementation strategy for adopting evidence-based interventions in Africa using the RE-AIM framework as a guide. Methods A comprehensive librarian-assisted search followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Five major electronic databases, EBSCOhost, PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and MEDLINE, were searched for empirical studies focused on using music as an implementation strategy to improve health outcomes in Africa. Two independent investigators extracted components of retrieved papers using the RE-AIM framework as a guide. Results From 981 citations, eight studies met the inclusion criteria, each reporting a unique music intervention. The interventions were conducted in West Africa (n = 3), South African regions (n = 4), and East Africa (n = 1) and included seven observational studies and one randomized controlled trial (RCT). Using the RE-AIM scoring criteria, we summarize the RE-AIM dimensions reported from selected studies – Adoption (72.5%) being the highest, followed by Reach (62.5%), Implementation (41.7%), and Efficacy/Effectiveness (20.0%). All eight studies (100%) described the intervention location, the expertise of delivery agents, the target population, and the participant characteristics. Moreover, our analysis highlighted the effectiveness of music interventions in enhancing health outcomes, particularly in improving knowledge and awareness (62.5%), facilitating behavioral change (50%), and promoting mental health (25%). Conclusion Music interventions adapted to the sociocultural context in Africa have the potential to help prevent diseases, improve well-being, and enhance health outcomes. Our review emphasizes the importance of customizing music-based interventions to fit the cultural context, which can enhance the programs' effectiveness, acceptance, and sustainability. Clinical trials are necessary to confirm the efficacy of music interventions in specific medical conditions and from a public health promotion perspective. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-e83edccfc7004764b316665ae0dd2c69 |
| institution | DOAJ |
| issn | 2662-2211 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-05-01 |
| publisher | BMC |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Implementation Science Communications |
| spelling | doaj-art-e83edccfc7004764b316665ae0dd2c692025-08-20T03:22:09ZengBMCImplementation Science Communications2662-22112025-05-016112010.1186/s43058-025-00741-wMusic as an implementation strategy for evidence-based health interventions in Africa: a systematic review using the RE-AIM frameworkChidi Okafor0Shravya Allena1Olufunto A. Olusanya2Ucheoma Nwaozuru3Ifedola Olojo4Amenze Eguavoen5Njideka Okubadejo6Rajesh Vedanthan7Collins Airhihenbuwa8Olajide Williams9Olugbenga G. Ogedegbe10David Oladele11Temitope Ojo12Oliver Ezechi13Joseph D. Tucker14Juliet Iwelunmor15Washington University School of MedicineWashington University School of MedicineWashington University School of MedicineWake Forest School of MedicineNigerian Institute of Medical ResearchLluvia Health OrganizationCollege of Medicine, University of LagosNYU Grossman School of MedicineGeorgia State UniversityColumbia UniversityNew York University School of MedicineNigerian Institute of Medical ResearchWashington University School of MedicineNigerian Institute of Medical ResearchThe University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of MedicineWashington University School of MedicineAbstract Background While a growing body of scientific literature suggests that evidence-based interventions may improve health outcomes in diverse settings, little is known about the best strategies for large-scale implementation. In Africa, music—an important positive social determinant of health—leverages existing cultural values, which may effectively enhance the reach, uptake, and long-term sustainability of evidence-based interventions in the region. To understand how music interventions work, why they are effective, and with whom they resonate, this systematic review aims to evaluate the quality and empirical application of music as an implementation strategy for adopting evidence-based interventions in Africa using the RE-AIM framework as a guide. Methods A comprehensive librarian-assisted search followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Five major electronic databases, EBSCOhost, PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and MEDLINE, were searched for empirical studies focused on using music as an implementation strategy to improve health outcomes in Africa. Two independent investigators extracted components of retrieved papers using the RE-AIM framework as a guide. Results From 981 citations, eight studies met the inclusion criteria, each reporting a unique music intervention. The interventions were conducted in West Africa (n = 3), South African regions (n = 4), and East Africa (n = 1) and included seven observational studies and one randomized controlled trial (RCT). Using the RE-AIM scoring criteria, we summarize the RE-AIM dimensions reported from selected studies – Adoption (72.5%) being the highest, followed by Reach (62.5%), Implementation (41.7%), and Efficacy/Effectiveness (20.0%). All eight studies (100%) described the intervention location, the expertise of delivery agents, the target population, and the participant characteristics. Moreover, our analysis highlighted the effectiveness of music interventions in enhancing health outcomes, particularly in improving knowledge and awareness (62.5%), facilitating behavioral change (50%), and promoting mental health (25%). Conclusion Music interventions adapted to the sociocultural context in Africa have the potential to help prevent diseases, improve well-being, and enhance health outcomes. Our review emphasizes the importance of customizing music-based interventions to fit the cultural context, which can enhance the programs' effectiveness, acceptance, and sustainability. Clinical trials are necessary to confirm the efficacy of music interventions in specific medical conditions and from a public health promotion perspective.https://doi.org/10.1186/s43058-025-00741-wHealthMusic interventionEvidence-based practiceHealth educationSystematic reviewAfrica |
| spellingShingle | Chidi Okafor Shravya Allena Olufunto A. Olusanya Ucheoma Nwaozuru Ifedola Olojo Amenze Eguavoen Njideka Okubadejo Rajesh Vedanthan Collins Airhihenbuwa Olajide Williams Olugbenga G. Ogedegbe David Oladele Temitope Ojo Oliver Ezechi Joseph D. Tucker Juliet Iwelunmor Music as an implementation strategy for evidence-based health interventions in Africa: a systematic review using the RE-AIM framework Implementation Science Communications Health Music intervention Evidence-based practice Health education Systematic review Africa |
| title | Music as an implementation strategy for evidence-based health interventions in Africa: a systematic review using the RE-AIM framework |
| title_full | Music as an implementation strategy for evidence-based health interventions in Africa: a systematic review using the RE-AIM framework |
| title_fullStr | Music as an implementation strategy for evidence-based health interventions in Africa: a systematic review using the RE-AIM framework |
| title_full_unstemmed | Music as an implementation strategy for evidence-based health interventions in Africa: a systematic review using the RE-AIM framework |
| title_short | Music as an implementation strategy for evidence-based health interventions in Africa: a systematic review using the RE-AIM framework |
| title_sort | music as an implementation strategy for evidence based health interventions in africa a systematic review using the re aim framework |
| topic | Health Music intervention Evidence-based practice Health education Systematic review Africa |
| url | https://doi.org/10.1186/s43058-025-00741-w |
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