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Non-communicable diseases in the tropics
1Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Sydney, NSW.
The Medical Journal of Australia
|August 16, 1993
Summary
Tropical developing countries are shifting from infectious to non-communicable diseases like cardiovascular disease and diabetes. This summary covers their epidemiology, prevention, and treatment in this changing landscape.
Area of Science:
- Global Health
- Epidemiology
- Tropical Medicine
Background:
- Developing tropical nations face lifestyle transitions, moving from traditional to modern societies.
- This shift involves industrialization, urbanization, and cultural changes.
- Consequently, the disease burden is changing.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize the epidemiology of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in tropical developing countries.
- To review the causality, prevention, and treatment strategies for prevalent NCDs.
- To provide context for these health challenges in transitioning societies.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and synthesis of existing epidemiological data.
- Analysis of trends in morbidity and mortality.
- Examination of prevention and treatment approaches.
Main Results:
- Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are emerging as leading causes of illness and death.
- Cardiovascular diseases, adult-onset diabetes, cancers, and respiratory diseases are significant concerns.
- Infectious diseases are declining in relative importance.
Conclusions:
- There is an urgent need to address the growing burden of NCDs in tropical developing countries.
- Integrated strategies for prevention and management are crucial.
- Further research is needed to tailor interventions to local contexts.