Underline Causes of The Growing Burden of NCDs

The Growing Burden of Non-communicable Diseases:

This shift of burden from infectious disease to non-communicable disease did not happen over night, and is a problem on the rise in developing and developed countries. There are many underlining causes that influence this growing burden: global trade, lack of proper nutrition, increase in substance abuse, and the lack of physical activity. In 2003 it was estimated that there would be 56 million deaths globally, of which 60% will be due to non-communicable diseases: and of those 16 million deaths will result from cardiovascular disease (CVD), 7 million from cancer, 3•5 million from chronic respiratory disease; and almost 1 million from diabetes (Beaglehole & Yach). These numbers are staggering and because of the financial burden have brought many countries to their knees.

Globalization:

This need for global trade has opened doors of opportunity for all. It has increased the amount of money and exports coming in and out of countries. However there has not been an equal distribution of profit revenue to all. Despite the fact that this has increased the amount of jobs made available, which should mean more opportunities for the country, it has meant more labor abuse which correlates with an increase in chronic illnesses in the working class. It has also meant a larger global market. This has globalized the production and marketing of all kinds of products that have adverse affects on health (Beaglehole & Yach). In developing countries there is also more freedom when it comes to advertisement, in what you say and make the consumer believe you are actually selling them.

Nutrition (malnutrition and over consumption):

Currently in the United States there are over four million children that experience prolonged periods of food insufficiencies, and another ten million children that are at risk for hunger (Klienmen). For infants and children, good nutrition is critically important, as many behaviors and habits are developed and affected in childhood. Furthermore, recent studies have shown that children, who experience food insufficiencies in the beginnings of life, are more likely to experience social problems as well as chronic health diseases later on in life as well. According to researchers some of the social implications found to be affected by insufficient nutrition include behavioral, emotional and academic problems and difficulties for children throughout life (Kleinman). Additionally many children with insufficient nutrition may also experience anxiety and aggression as well. Among the chronic health diseases that can develop, researchers suggest that children will suffer from an increased risk of hypertension, coronary heart disease, autoimmune thyroid disease, and non-insulin dependent diabetes as well (WHO).

On the other side we have a diet that has changed from high in fiber, protein, vegetable and fruits to one that is low in complex carbohydrates but extremely high in animal fat that has increased the prevalence of obesity (Leon). It is not that people are not continuing to consume fresh products or eat what is considered “healthy”; the issue is the amount of consumption. That is why there is a concern in the increase of obesity in young adults and children. Not only are they placing themselves at risk physically but mentally as well. At higher risk of having diabetes, coronary heart disease, respiratory problems and depression.

Substance abuse:

Cultural customs play a huge role as to why the global market is doing so well. Drinking and smoking at a young age is very common in developing countries. Its part of their culture and it has been integrated into their every day lives, for example wine at dinner, or the afternoon cigar. With the increase in tobacco and alcohol sales it’s only normal that there be an increase in lung cancer and respiratory disorders. However too much of anything can cause severe health complications, and more of substances that are highly addictive and have been shown to be one of the primary causes of death in the world. Lung cancer is currently the most lethal of all cancers, and sadly it is preventable. Studies have shown that if restrictions were placed on the amount of cigarettes a person could consume, there would be a significant decrease in smoking uptake by 25% (Skolnik). This is also true if there was a 10% increase in cigarette taxes, which would reduce the demand for cigarettes in the first place by 8% (Skolnik). Simple actions such as banning advertisements in schools, on buses and parks can help reduce the consumption of cigarettes. All minor things that help make an enormous amount of change in health of the community.

Physical Activity:

Lack of proper nutrition with a sedentary lifestyle is a perfect recipe for a chronic illness. With this new age of technology there has been a sudden drop in physical activity. Another component to take into consideration is also the location in which people live in. Dark streets and a neighborhood gang are not conducive of an appropriate or safe environment to be active outside riding bicycles, skateboards or playing basketball etc. However that is why it’s important to encourage activity at home and school. The creation of built environments and/or an educational afterschool program to promote physical activity. In developing countries fewer advertisements for video games and more advertisements for recreational equipment could send a positive message.

Concern on Cost:

“In most (but not all countries), four factors are responsible for the growing cost and prevalence of NCDs: lack of exercise, poor nutrition, use of tobacco products, and alcohol abuse (Anderson)”. There is already so much money being spent on treatment for NCDs that no money wants to be spent on prevention programming. That is why it is important that we educate on the importance of prevention, and the long term benefits. So much money can be saved if the end.
Great efforts have been implemented to help ease and hopefully eradicate the burden of non-communicable diseases. It is still important to remember that this burden did not happen over night, and that it will take a collaborative effort to help eliminate it. The focus should be directed toward the underlining causes that have created the burden and prevention programming should start from there.

References:

Anderson, G. F. Missing In Action: International Aid Agencies In Poor Countries To Fight Chronic Disease: Health Affairs. Chevy Chase:Jan/Feb 2009. Vol. 28, Iss. 1, p. 202-5 (4 pp.)

Beaglehole, R. and Yach, D. “Globalisation and the Prevention and Control of Non-communicanble Disease the Neglected Chronic Diseases of Adults”. The Lancet 2003: 362, 903-908

Skolnik, R. Essentials of Global Health. Jones and Bartlett Publichers: Boston, 2008
Kleinman,R.E.et al. Hunger in children in the United States: potential behavioral and emotional correlates. Pediatrics. Jan. 1998. 101(1): E3 From Pubmed database

Leon, D. A. Cities, urbanization and health: International Journal of Epidemiology. Oxford University Press. 2008