Question

The Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation reported that the topography of disease-related deaths has changed over many generations, and that different diseases, both communicable and noncommunicable, are starting to effect communities differently. Specifically, the researchers identify that the typical life expectancy has increased on a global scale, which means there are now different, previously unknown risks and causes of illness due to aging populations. Of specific interest the researchers mention that the “leading causes of death and disability have changed from communicable diseases in children to noncommunicable diseases in adults” (IME, 2013). The United States and other developed and industrialized nations have seen a stark reduction in maternal, nutritional, and premature child deaths. Third-world or underdeveloped nations, however, have seen a spike in communicable, maternal, nutritional and child related diseases. The Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation implemented the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) study to systematically address health concerns related to a number of demographic characteristics. The GBD 2010 study found an increased life expectancy of 35 years since 1970 for many industrialized nations, but negligible improvement in life expectancy in developing nations such as sub-Saharan Africa.

As part of this exercise, check out the 2013 information at: http://www.healthdata.org/sites/default/files/files/policy_report/2013/ GBD_GeneratingEvidence/IHME_GBD_GeneratingEvidence_FullReport.pdf, then prepare answers to the questions that follow.

Question 1

Why is it important to research and understand the epidemiological transition of diseases across the world?

Question 2

What are some potential factors that may help explain the static nature of life expectancy in areas such as the sub-Saharan African communities?

Question 3

Identify and explain the factors related to the rise of noncommunicable diseases in industrialized nations, such as the United States.

Question 4

What could be a potentially helpful strategy for reducing deaths related to communicable diseases in poorer nations?

Retrieved from: http://www.healthdata.org/sites/default/files/files/policy_report/2013/ GBD_GeneratingEvidence/IHME_GBD_GeneratingEvidence_FullReport.pdf Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation. The Global Burden of Disease: Generating Evidence, Guiding Policy. Seattle, WA: IHME.

Answer 1

Q1)

• India is currently experiencing the double burden of communicable and non-communicable diseases. In recent decades, the age pattern ofmorbidity has been rising, primarily due to increased prevalence of chronic diseases, resulting in significant structural changes in disease patterns.
• Modal age-at-death is rising in India, demonstrating the dominance of old age mortality over childhood/adult mortality; this is mostly attributable to the high prevalence of chronic diseases and ensuing fatality.
• Similar to developed nations, most Indians now live to old age; however, they are experiencing increasing number of years lived with disability as a consequence of increasing morbidity. Continued reductions in mortality and structural changes in disease patterns strongly indicate epidemiological transition in India, as these patterns begin to emulate those seen in developed nations.
• To identify and monitor the rapidly changing disease and mortality patterns and accomplish the health system needs, studying and reporting updated information on causes of death is essential.
• The information on trends and patterns of causes of death is important in order to caution against potential future health policy challenges.

Q2)

• Sub-Saharan Africa has long faced a heavy burden of disease, with malaria, tuberculosis, and, more recently, HIV being among the most prominent contributors to that burden.
• African countries have no civil registration systems in place and hence are unable to continuously generate vital statistics or to provide systematic information on patterns of cause of death, relying instead on periodic household-level surveys or intense and continuous monitoring of small demographic surveillance sites to provide a (partial) epidemiological and demographic profile of the population.
• Large parts of Africa still operate a dual health care system with large numbers of traditional healers operating alongside modern hospitals and clinics.
• Parasite-bearing mosquitoes, flies and snails especially enjoy these environmental conditions and breed more rapidly in them, creating greater opportunities for diseases transmitted through these vectors to be passed on to humans.
• Ebola is caused by viruses which are most effectively transmitted through human contact.

Q3)

• There has been a steady rise in NCDs in low and middle income countries and currently, about 80% of NCD deaths occur in these countries and not affluent ones.
• Various lifestyle and environmental factors all contribute heavily to the onset of NCDs and some of them are a direct product of the sluggishness on a global level, to promote measures that ensure a cleaner, healthier environment.
• Lack of physical activity, causing health problems related to cardiovascular systems and metabolism, along with the development of certain kinds of cancer.
• Poor, unbalanced diets which fail to supply the proper nourishment and nutrients, with problems regarding salt, sugar and fat consumption contributing towards the development of NCDs.
• Abuse of tobacco and alcohol which leaves people vulnerable to a host of diseases including lung disease, metabolic disorders and cancer
• Environmental factors resulting from unsustainable practices and emissions that influence bodily function and aid in the development if NCDs

Q4)

• Across the globe, prevention is the foundation of public health systems. A comprehensive, holistic approach that provides a solid infrastructure and includes national, state, and local governments; industry; corporations; celebrities; communities; families; and individuals is vital for success.
• Interventions for controlling TB include preventing infection by means of vaccination, treating latent infections, and treating active disease.
• Developing a low-cost vaccine that would be more effective.
• Continued international financial assistance is critical to ensuring that TB control can be maintained in the world's poorest countries, where the challenge of TB control is aligned with the challenge of building and implementing effective public health programs.
• Health education and counseling are also significant for controlling diseases. They improve the timeliness of treatment by helping people identify the disease and seek appropriate care.