scholarly journals Challenges and opportunities to tackle the rising prevalence of diet-related non-communicable diseases in Africa

2019 ◽  
Vol 78 (4) ◽  
pp. 506-512 ◽  
Author(s):  
Victor O. Owino

Africa is experiencing a sharp rise in non-communicable diseases (NCD) related to rapid globalisation and urbanisation leading to shifts in dietary and lifestyle patterns characterised by increased energy intake and physical inactivity. However, unlike more resource-endowed regions, Africa has a double burden of disease: NCD co-exist with infectious diseases including lower respiratory tract infections, HIV/AIDS and diarrhoeal diseases. The African economy is also relatively weaker, making it difficult to cope with this burden. It is postulated that NCD will soon overtake infectious diseases as the number one cause of death in the African region. The recognition of NCD as diseases and obesity as a related risk factor is weak in Africa, compounded by stigma associated with wasting in HIV/AIDS and obesity being perceived as a sign of wealth, achievement and care. There is also a dearth of data on overweight and obesity in the region and little knowledge that infant feeding practices, such as breast-feeding, are linked to reduced risk of NCD in both children and mothers. While complex multi-sectoral approaches to address this NCD menace are needed, Africa may benefit from taking simple initial steps to address NCD risk factors including: (1) behaviour change communication to challenge perceptions on NCD; (2) promoting and protecting breast-feeding; (3) formulating policies and regulations limiting wide availability of unhealthy foods; (4) mainstream nutrition education in school curricula and (5) collection of accurate data based on indicators that can reflect the double burden of disease and malnutrition; and fostering multi-sectoral actions against NCD.

2020 ◽  
Vol 18 (S1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mariana Santos Felisbino-Mendes ◽  
Ewerton Cousin ◽  
Deborah Carvalho Malta ◽  
Ísis Eloah Machado ◽  
Antonio Luiz Pinho Ribeiro ◽  
...  

Abstract Background The prevalence and burden of disease resulting from obesity have increased worldwide. In Brazil, more than half of the population is now overweight. However, the impact of this growing risk factor on disease burden remains inexact. Using the 2017 Global Burden of Disease (GBD) results, this study sought to estimate mortality and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) lost to non-communicable diseases caused by high body mass index (BMI) in both sexes and across age categories. This study also aimed to describe the prevalence of overweight and obesity throughout the states of Brazil. Methods Age-standardized prevalence of overweight and obesity were estimated between 1990 and 2017. A comparative risk assessment was applied to estimate DALYs and deaths for non-communicable diseases and for all causes linked to high BMI. Results The prevalence of overweight and obesity increased during the period of analysis. Overall, age-standardized prevalence of obesity in Brazil was higher in females (29.8%) than in males (24.6%) in 2017; however, since 1990, males have presented greater rise in obesity (244.1%) than females (165.7%). Increases in prevalence burden were greatest in states from the North and Northeast regions of Brazil. Overall, burden due to high BMI also increased from 1990 to 2017. In 2017, high BMI was responsible for 12.3% (8.8–16.1%) of all deaths and 8.4% (6.3–10.7%) of total DALYs lost to non-communicable diseases, up from 7.2% (4.1–10.8%), and 4.6% (2.4-6.0%) in 1990, respectively. Change due to risk exposure is the leading contributor to the growth of BMI burden in Brazil. In 2017, high BMI was responsible for 165,954 deaths and 5,095,125 DALYs. Cardiovascular disease and diabetes have proven to be the most prevalent causes of deaths, along with DALYs caused by high BMI, regardless of sex or state. Conclusions This study demonstrates increasing age-standardized prevalence of obesity in all Brazilian states. High BMI plays an important role in disease burdens in terms of cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and all causes of mortality. Assessing levels and trends in exposures to high BMI and the resulting disease burden highlights the current priority for primary prevention and public health action initiatives focused on obesity.


2014 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 46-50 ◽  
Author(s):  
SM Rashed-ul Islam ◽  
Farhana Rahman ◽  
Md Mahmudur Rahman Siddiqui

Unlike many low and middle income countries, double burden diseases are serious problem in Bangladesh. Recently, proper understanding and the need for joint interventions against both infectious diseases and non-communicable diseases (NCD's) has been gradually arising. Cardiovascular diseases (CVD's), diabetes, cancers and chronic lung disease are the most frequent NCD's whereas acute respiratory diseases, diarrhoea, neonatal sepsis and malaria are considered as infectious disease so far. Excess calories intake and unhygienic conditions are the most common risk factors, along with genetic predisposition and lifestyle choices. In addition, under nutrition in childhood also affects the human development in many aspects. The key controls of the situations are primary prevention through maintaining healthy life style during all phase of life. Action should focus controlling the risk factors in a unified fashion. Intervention at all levels of society, from communities to governments, private organizations and nongovernmental groups, is crucial for prevention by intensifying awareness of people about a perfect and healthy lifestyle. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/akmmcj.v5i1.18844 Anwer Khan Modern Medical College Journal Vol. 5, No. 1: January 2014, Pages 46-50


2015 ◽  
Vol 48 (4) ◽  
pp. 472-485 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ajit Kumar Yadav ◽  
Jitendra Gouda ◽  
F. Ram

SummaryUttar Pradesh is India’s most populous state with a population of 200 million. Any change in its fertility and mortality is bound to bring change at the national level. This study analysed the burden of disease in the state by calculating the disability-adjusted life year (DALY) for infectious and non-communicable diseases. Data were from two rounds (52ndand 60th) of the National Sample Survey Organization (NSSO) survey conducted in 1995–96 and 2004, respectively, and the Million Deaths Study (MDS) of 2001–03. Descriptive and multivariate analyses were carried out to identify the determinants of different types of self-reported morbidity and DALY. The results show that in Uttar Pradesh the prevalence of all selected self-reported infectious and non-communicable diseases increased over the study period from 1995 to 2004, and in most cases by more than two times. The highest observed increase in prevalence was in non-communicable diseases excluding CVDs, which increased from 7% in 1995 to 19% in 2004. The prevalence was higher for those aged 60 and above, females, those who were illiterate and rich across the time period and for all selected morbidities. The results were significant atp<0.001. The estimation of the DALY revealed that the burden of infectious diseases was higher during infancy, noticeably among males than females in 2002. However, females aged 1–5 years were more likely to report infectious diseases than corresponding males. The age distribution of the DALY indicated that individuals aged below 5 years and above 60 years were more susceptible to ill health. The growing incidence of non-communicable diseases, especially among the older generation, puts an additional burden on the health system in the state. Uttar Pradesh has to grapple with the unresolved problem of preventable infectious diseases on the one hand and the growth in non-communicable disease on the other.


2021 ◽  
Vol 79 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Periklis Charalampous ◽  
Elena Pallari ◽  
Stefanos Tyrovolas ◽  
Nicos Middleton ◽  
Mary Economou ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) accounted for over 90% of all deaths in the Cypriot population, in 2018. However, a detailed and comprehensive overview of the impact of NCDs on population health of Cyprus over the period of 1990 to 2017, expressed in disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), is currently not available. Knowledge about the drivers of changes in NCD DALYs over time is paramount to identify priorities for the prevention of NCDs in Cyprus and guide evidence-based decision making. The objectives of this paper were to: 1) assess the burden of NCDs in terms of years of life lost (YLLs), years lived with disability (YLDs), and DALYs in Cyprus in 2017, and 2) identify changes in the burden of NCDs in Cyprus over the 28-year period and assess the main drivers of these changes. Methods We performed a secondary database descriptive study using the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2017 results on NCDs for Cyprus from 1990 to 2017. We calculated the percentage change of age-standardized DALY rates between 1990 and 2017 and decomposed these time trends to assess the causes of death and disability that were the main drivers of change. Results In Cyprus in 2017, 83% (15,129 DALYs per 100,000; 12,809 to 17,707 95%UI) of total DALYs were due to NCDs. The major contributors to NCD DALYs were cardiovascular diseases (16.5%), neoplasms (16.3%), and musculoskeletal disorders (15.6%). Between 1990 and 2017, age-standardized NCD DALY rates decreased by 23%. For both males and females, the largest decreases in DALY rates were observed in ischemic heart disease and stroke. For Cypriot males, the largest increases in DALY rates were observed for pancreatic cancer, drug use disorders, and acne vulgaris, whereas for Cypriot females these were for acne vulgaris, psoriasis and eating disorders. Conclusion Despite a decrease in the burden of NCDs over the period from 1990 to 2017, NCDs are still a major public health challenge. Implementation of interventions and early detection screening programmes of modifiable NCD risk factors are needed to reduce occurrence and exacerbation of leading causes of NCDs in the Cypriot population.


2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
J Haagsma ◽  
M Majdan ◽  
S M Pires ◽  
R Assunção

Abstract The burden of disease landscape in Europe is currently scattered with experts from diverse professional backgrounds, ranging from experts in infectious diseases, non-communicable diseases, injuries and risk factors, to experts in more comprehensive national, regional and global burden of disease studies. Currently there is little interaction between these experts and existing burden of disease efforts. The European burden of disease network (burden-eu) COST Action aims to bring together expertise across different domains and professional backgrounds. During the course of the burden-eu COST Action, several steps will be taken to facilitate interaction between existing burden of disease efforts. First, a survey has been sent around to all members of the EU burden of disease network to map burden of disease studies that have been carried out in their country. Apart from general details about the year of the study and cause of disease categories, items of the survey included data sources, methodological approach and collaborations with institutes of other countries. In the first month, the survey has been completed for over 70 studies that have been carried out in twelve countries. Second, comparison of existing burden of disease initiatives allows for the identification of the various domains for which burden of disease has been assessed, highlight methodological differences as well as similarities, and facilitate improvements and harmonization of methods and approaches. Furthermore, the data collected from the survey will be included in a continuously updated burden of disease database that lists all past and current burden of disease activities. Lastly, burden-eu will facilitate regular meetings and workshops. Each of these steps will make it possible to move beyond the currently scattered burden of disease landscape and increase interaction between professionals and burden of disease efforts.


Author(s):  
Wilfred Kok Hoe Mok ◽  
Noran Naqiah Hairi ◽  
Caryn Mei Hsien Chan ◽  
Feisul Idzwan Mustapha ◽  
Thamil Arasu Saminathan ◽  
...  

(1) Background: The prevalence of overweight and obesity among children has increased tremendously in the ASEAN region, including Malaysia. In Malaysia, the National Strategic Plan for Non-Communicable Diseases (2015–2025) provides the overall framework for its response to the non-communicable diseases (NCD) epidemic. Preventing childhood obesity is one of the key strategies for early intervention to prevent NCDs. The objective of this research is to examine the current status of policy interventions in addressing childhood obesity in Malaysia. (2) Methods: A panel of 22 stakeholders and experts from Malaysia, representing the government, industry, academia and non-governmental organizations, were sampled using a modified Delphi technique. Data were collected using a modified NCD scorecard under four domains (governance, risk factors, surveillance and research and health systems response). A heat map was used to measure the success of the four realms of the NCD scorecard. For each domain of the NCD scorecard, the final score was grouped in quintiles. (3) Results: A total of 22 participants responded, comprising of eight (36.4%) males and 14 (63.4%) females. All the domains measured in implementing policies related to childhood obesity were of low progress. Nine governance indicators were reported as 22.5% (low progress), four in the risk factors domain, and two in the surveillance. This shows that timely and accurate monitoring, participatory review and evaluation, and effective remedies are necessary for a country’s surveillance system. (4) Conclusion: Although Malaysia has published several key strategic documents relating to childhood obesity and implemented numerous policy interventions, we have identified several gaps that must be addressed to leverage the whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach in addressing childhood obesity in the country.


2021 ◽  
pp. 037957212110207
Author(s):  
Colette Rector ◽  
Nadhira Nuraini Afifa ◽  
Varun Gupta ◽  
Abbas Ismail ◽  
Dominic Mosha ◽  
...  

Background: Tanzania has a double burden of malnutrition, including a high prevalence of undernutrition and an increasing prevalence of overweight and obesity among adolescents. Schools present a valuable opportunity to reach a large section of the country’s adolescent population with nutrition-oriented interventions. Objective: The objective of this study was to assess the current state of adolescent school nutrition interventions in Dodoma, Tanzania, with emphases on 3 potential school-based nutrition interventions, school vegetable gardens, school meals, and education (on nutrition, agriculture, and water, sanitation, and hygiene). Methods: Focus group discussions were conducted with several regional and district-level governmental stakeholders, including health, education, and agricultural officers. Ten public secondary schools were visited, and interviews with school administrators, teachers, students, and parents were conducted. Results: All stakeholders interviewed supported interventions to improve school-based nutrition, including school gardens, school feeding, and nutrition education. All 10 schools visited had some experience providing school meals, but parents’ contributions were essential for the program’s sustainability. Most schools visited had land available for a school garden program, but water availability could be challenging during certain times of the year. The teachers interviewed expressed that the curriculum on nutrition education was highly theoretical and did not allow students to practice the knowledge and skills they learned in the classroom. Conclusions: The current school-based approach to tackling the double burden of adolescent malnutrition in Dodoma is localized and ad hoc. To leverage the potential of schools as a platform for nutrition interventions, integrated and policy-mandated interventions are needed.


Author(s):  
Rizal Sanif

Health problems in Indonesia are very serious challenges. The main problem is that there is a triple burden or three important health problems related to the eradication of infectious diseases, an increase in cases of non-communicable diseases and the re-emergence of types of diseases that should have been successfully resolved. Infectious diseases such as diarrhea, tuberculosis and dengue fever were the most common health cases; now there has been a marked change in the number of cases of non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, cancer and coronary heart disease. The Government of the Republic of Indonesia at the Ministry of Health in 2017 launched GERMAS or Healthy Living Community Movement. GERMAS is a movement that aims to promote a culture of healthy living and leave unhealthy habits and behavior of society. The GERMAS action was also followed by promoting hygiene and healthy living habits and support for community-based infrastructure programs. This program has several focuses, such as building access to meet drinking water needs, community health installations and the construction of habitable settlements. The three of them are the basic infrastructure that is the foundation of the healthy life movement.


Author(s):  
Mohammad Rahanur Alam ◽  
Mohammad Asadul Habib ◽  
A. K. Obidul Huq ◽  
Sumaiya Mamun ◽  
Sompa Reza ◽  
...  

Background: The prevalence of non-communicable diseases is rising in Dhaka City, Bangladesh. Obesity is one of the significant risk factors for many non-communicable diseases. This research aimed to investigate the current prevalence of overweight and obesity among children in selected schools in Dhaka City through anthropometric evaluation, as well as to assess the correlation of various environmental determinants such as physical activity, dietary behavior, lifestyle habits, are associated with increased risk of obesity in children.Methods: This school-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 106 participants (50 male and 56 female participants) aged 6-14 years selected by convenience sampling from four randomly selected primary schools of different regions of Dhaka city. A pre-tested questionnaire was used to collect data.Results: The prevalence of overweight and obesity among school-going children 24.5%, 68% respectively. Factors associated with being obese included type of game (χ2=34.036; p=0.001), total playtime (χ2=17.788; p=0.000), TV and computer watch time (χ2=27.321; p=0.007), spend money to buy fast food (χ2=26.451; p=0.002), eating days fast food in a week (χ2=24.825; p=0.003), type of tiffin (χ2=19.757; p=0.072).Conclusions: Less playtime, longer watching TV and computer, and eating more fast food are major risk factors for overweight and obesity among school-going children in Dhaka city. Interventions are needed to increase awareness of child overweight weight and obesity risk factors to decrease the prevalence of overweight and obesity.


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