د.عبدالعزيزالعثيمين
03-19-2010, 09:01
Globally, the greatest burden of disease, whether measured by mortality or morbidity is accounted for by chronic diseases. The World Health Organization defines chronic diseases as having long duration and generally slow progression. The four major chronic non-communicable diseases are cardiovascular diseases, cancers, chronic respiratory diseases and diabetes.
Of the 58 million deaths from all causes in 2005, chronic diseases accounted for over 60 per cent. This is double the number of deaths from all infectious diseases, maternal and perinatal conditions, and nutritional deficiencies combined. Only in sub-Saharan Africa is the burden of infectious disease greater than chronic diseases, but even here, the trend is towards a dual burden, with deaths from chronic diseases projected to overtake those from infectious diseases in the next ten years
Chronic diseases are largely caused by three major risk factors - tobacco use, poor diet and lack of physical activity. Many of the risk factors are themselves exacerbated by underlying socioeconomic determinants, such as lack of education and poverty. These underlying determinants are a reflection of the major forces driving social, economic and cultural transition, including globalization, urbanization and aging populations.
Of the 58 million deaths from all causes in 2005, chronic diseases accounted for over 60 per cent. This is double the number of deaths from all infectious diseases, maternal and perinatal conditions, and nutritional deficiencies combined. Only in sub-Saharan Africa is the burden of infectious disease greater than chronic diseases, but even here, the trend is towards a dual burden, with deaths from chronic diseases projected to overtake those from infectious diseases in the next ten years
Chronic diseases are largely caused by three major risk factors - tobacco use, poor diet and lack of physical activity. Many of the risk factors are themselves exacerbated by underlying socioeconomic determinants, such as lack of education and poverty. These underlying determinants are a reflection of the major forces driving social, economic and cultural transition, including globalization, urbanization and aging populations.