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Community-based noncommunicable disease interventions: lessons from developed countries for developing ones
A Nissinen1, X Berrios, P Puska
1Department of Epidemiology and Health Promotion, National Public Health Institute (KTL), Helsinki, Finland. aulikki.nissinen@ktl.fi
Bulletin of the World Health Organization
|November 6, 2001
Summary
Community programs effectively prevent and control cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and noncommunicable diseases (NCD). These initiatives are generalizable, cost-effective, and crucial for global health, especially in developing nations.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
- Health Policy
Background:
- Cardiovascular disease (CVD) prevention programs originated in Europe and the USA in the 1970s.
- The North Karelia Project in Finland addressed high CVD mortality, accumulating significant research on heart health initiatives.
- Program focus shifted to noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) in the 1980s due to shared risk factors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the effectiveness and generalizability of community-based programs for CVD and NCD prevention and control.
- To highlight the importance of these programs in developing countries facing a rising NCD burden.
- To emphasize the need for international collaboration and adaptable networks for NCD prevention.
Main Methods:
- Review of accumulated scientific literature on community-based health programs.
- Analysis of program results, cost-effectiveness, and policy influence.
- Examination of theoretical principles and practical experiences in program implementation.
Main Results:
- Community-based heart health programs demonstrate high generalizability and cost-effectiveness.
- These programs have a proven ability to influence health policy.
- Successful NCD programs require clear planning, community collaboration, and government engagement.
Conclusions:
- Community-based programs are vital for preventing and controlling CVD and NCDs globally.
- Adaptable international networks with common guidelines are essential for effective NCD prevention.
- Future efforts should focus on implementing and evaluating these programs in developing countries.