scholarly journals Non-communicable diseases among adolescents: current status, determinants, interventions and policies

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
N. Akseer ◽  
S. Mehta ◽  
J. Wigle ◽  
R. Chera ◽  
Z. J. Brickman ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Addressing non-communicable disease (NCDs) is a global priority in the Sustainable Development Goals, especially for adolescents. However, existing literature on NCD burden, risk factors and determinants, and effective interventions and policies for targeting these diseases in adolescents, is limited. This study develops an evidence-based conceptual framework, and highlights pathways between risk factors and interventions to NCD development during adolescence (ages 10–19 years) and continuing into adulthood. Additionally, the epidemiologic profile of key NCD risk factors and outcomes among adolescents and preventative NCD policies/laws/legislations are examined, and a multivariable analysis is conducted to explore the determinants of NCDs among adolescents and adults. Methods We reviewed literature to develop an adolescent-specific conceptual framework for NCDs. Global data repositories were searched from Jan-July 2018 for data on NCD-related risk factors, outcomes, and policy data for 194 countries from 1990 to 2016. Disability-Adjusted Life Years were used to assess disease burden. A hierarchical modeling approach and ordinary least squares regression was used to explore the basic and underlying causes of NCD burden. Results Mental health disorders are the most common NCDs found in adolescents. Adverse behaviours and lifestyle factors, specifically smoking, alcohol and drug use, poor diet and metabolic syndrome, are key risk factors for NCD development in adolescence. Across countries, laws and policies for preventing NCD-related risk factors exist, however those targeting contraceptive use, drug harm reduction, mental health and nutrition are generally limited. Many effective interventions for NCD prevention exist but must be implemented at scale through multisectoral action utilizing diverse delivery mechanisms. Multivariable analyses showed that structural/macro, community and household factors have significant associations with NCD burden among adolescents and adults. Conclusions Multi-sectoral efforts are needed to target NCD risk factors among adolescents to mitigate disease burden and adverse outcomes in adulthood. Findings could guide policy and programming to reduce NCD burden in the sustainable development era.

2018 ◽  
Vol 14 (03) ◽  
pp. 079-088
Author(s):  
Maduja Divarathne ◽  
Rukshan Ahamed ◽  
Faseeha Noordeen

AbstractAcute respiratory tract infections (ARTIs) are leading contributors to the global infectious disease burden, which is estimated to be 112,900,000 disability adjusted life years. Viruses contribute to the etiology of ARTIs in a big way compared with other microorganisms. Since the discovery of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) 61 years ago, the virus has been recognized as a major cause of ARTI and hospitalization in children. The morbidity and mortality attributable to RSV infection appear to be higher in infants < 3 months and in those with known risk factors such as prematurity, chronic lung, and congenital heart diseases. Crowded living conditions, exposure to tobacco smoke, and industrial or other types of air pollution also increase the risk of RSV-associated ARTI. Many epidemiological studies have been conducted in developed countries to understand the seasonal patterns and risk factors associated with RSV infections. Dearth of information on RSV-associated morbidity and mortality in Asian and developing countries indicates the need for regional reviews to evaluate RSV-associated disease burden in these countries. Epidemiological studies including surveillance is the key to track the disease burden including risk factors, seasonality, morbidity, and mortality associated with RSV infection in these countries. These data will contribute to improve the clinical diagnosis and plan preventive strategies in resource-limited developing countries.


2019 ◽  
Vol 48 (4) ◽  
pp. 1113-1124 ◽  
Author(s):  
Suman Chakrabarti ◽  
Mohammed Tajuddin Khan ◽  
Avinash Kishore ◽  
Devesh Roy ◽  
Samuel P Scott

Abstract Background Respiratory infections are among the leading causes of death and disability globally. Respirable aerosol particles released by agricultural crop-residue burning (ACRB), practised by farmers in all global regions, are potentially harmful to human health. Our objective was to estimate the health and economic costs of ACRB in northern India. Methods The primary outcome was acute respiratory infection (ARI) from India’s fourth District Level Health Survey (DLHS-4). DLHS-4 data were merged with Moderate-Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer satellite data on fire occurrence. Mutually adjusted generalized linear models were used to generate risk ratios for risk factors of ARI. Overall disease burden due to ACRB was estimated in terms of disability-adjusted life years. Results Seeking medical treatment for ARI in the previous 2 weeks was reported by 5050 (2%) of 252 539 persons. Living in a district with intense ACRB—the top quintile of fires per day—was associated with a 3-fold higher risk of ARI (mutually adjusted risk ratio 2.99, 95% confidence interval 2.77 to 3.23) after adjustment for socio-demographic and household factors. Children under 5 years of age were particularly susceptible (3.65, 3.06 to 4.34 in this subgroup). Additional ARI risk factors included motor-vehicle congestion (1.96, 1.72 to 2.23), open drainage (1.91, 1.73 to 2.11), cooking with biomass (1.73, 1.58 to 1.90) and living in urban areas (1.35, 1.26 to 1.44). Eliminating ACRB would avert 14.9 million disability-adjusted life years lost per year, valued at US$152.9 billion over 5 years. Conclusions Investments to stop crop burning and offer farmers alternative crop-residue disposal solutions are likely to improve population-level respiratory health and yield major economic returns.


2020 ◽  
Vol 19 (4) ◽  
pp. 336-362
Author(s):  
Victor Chidubem Iwuoha

Abstract Herders-farmers violent conflicts and flare-ups have spread throughout central and southern communities in Nigeria, but exclude the urban areas. I examine ‘herders – urban residents’ conflicts. Herders roam their cattle from outskirts to city roads, disrupting traffic and leaving behind trails of excrement and offensive smells causing dangerous nuisance. I argue that the new practice of cattle herders’ encroachments on city roads poses some socio-economic risks such as environmental decay, air pollution, displacement of urban livelihoods, road accidents and non-violent conflicts. Primary data was elicited from herders and residents in four major cities in Nigeria such as Aba, Awka, Nsukka and Owerri. I conclude by reflecting on the consequences of these socio-economic and environment-related risk factors which combine to undermine the attainment of Sustainable Development Goals (SDG s), and proffer solutions to address them. I make forecast in the form of early warning system that; cattle herders – urban residents cantankerous and confrontational interrelationships (though ‘non-violent conflicts’) could escalate and implode into dangerous ‘violent conflict’ scenarios if neglected.


2014 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 1019-1024 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jashelle Caga ◽  
Eleanor Ramsey ◽  
Anne Hogden ◽  
Eneida Mioshi ◽  
Matthew C. Kiernan

AbstractObjective:Recognizing depressive symptoms in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) remains problematic given the potential overlap with the normal psychological responses to a terminal illness. Understanding mental health and disease-related risk factors for depression is key to identifying psychological morbidity. The present study aimed to determine the prevalence of depressive symptoms in ALS and to explore mental health and disease-related risk factors for depression.Method:Structured medical and psychiatric history questionnaires and a validated depression scale (Depression, Anxiety, Stress Scale–21) were completed by 27 ALS patients (60% female; 59% limb onset; age 65.11 ± SE 2.21) prior to their initial review at a multidisciplinary clinic. Physical function was assessed with the Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Functional Rating Scale (ALSFRS–R).Results:At the time of initial assessment, 44% of patients had a previous psychiatric history, although the majority (62%) reported no symptoms of depression. The mean ALSFRS–R score was 37.78 ± SE 1.22, with an average diagnostic interval of 16.04 ± SE 2.39 months. Logistic regression analysis revealed that the length of the diagnostic interval alone predicted depressive symptoms (χ2(3, n = 26) = 9.21, Odds Ratio (OR) = 1.12, p < 0.05.Significance of Results:The illness experiences of ALS patients rather than established mental health risk factors influence the manifestation of depressive symptoms in the early stages of the disease, with clinical implications for the assessment and treatment of psychological morbidity. Patients with lengthy diagnostic intervals may be prime targets for psychological assessment and intervention, especially in the absence of ALS-specific tests and biomarkers.


2017 ◽  
Vol 74 (4) ◽  
pp. 301-310 ◽  
Author(s):  
Samuel B Harvey ◽  
Matthew Modini ◽  
Sadhbh Joyce ◽  
Josie S Milligan-Saville ◽  
Leona Tan ◽  
...  

2019 ◽  
Vol 57 (220) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kishori Mahat ◽  
Badri Thapa

The burden of non-communicable diseases is growing and countries are committed to combat this and achieve the sustainable development goals and targets. Non-communicable diseases are complex conditions attributed by multiple behavioural risk factors and without understanding the whole ecosystem of such diseases, it is difficult to determine the global goals and targets for them and to take action to address them. Countries are trying to take the multi-sectoral approach in addressing the non-communicable diseases and often encounter challenges in operationalizing the approach. Therefore, it is essential to nuance the multi-sectoral approach to non-communicable diseases in order to better inform application to achieving the sustainable development goals for which multisectoral approach is imperative.


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