02.a. Leading causes of mortality in low-income countries Flashcards
Global Health and Aid
What are the leading 3 causes of mortality in low income countries?
- communicable diseases
- malnutrition
- prenatal and maternal causes
Malnutrition
When a persons diet does not provide enough nutrients or the right balance of nutrients for optimal health.
Communicable diseases
Any condition that is passed to an individual from their environment (including from other people, air, water, food or insects)
Examples of communicable diseases
- coronavirus
- malaria
- influenza
- cholera
- measles
Prenatal mortality
Deaths that occur to babies - often pre-term babies and up to 7 days old i.e. still in the womb, still birth.
Impact of child marriage
- Increased risk of domestic violence
- Less likely to remain in school
- Teenage pregnancy
- Increased isolation from family and friends
What are the 3 leading causes of mortality in high income countries?
- Cardiovascular disease - coronary heart disease and stroke
- Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia
- Cancer
State a condition that occurs when a persons diet does not provide enough nutrients or the right balance of nutrients for optimal health
Malnutrition
State the umbrella term for any condition that is passed to an individual from their environment (including from other people, air, water, food or insects)
Communicable diseases
Coronavirus, malaria, influenza, cholera, diarrhoea are examples of what types of disease?
Communicable diseases
Name the health status indicator that measures deaths to mothers during pregnancy or childbirth
Maternal mortality rate
How can malnutrition increase communicable disease transmission?
lowers immune system functioning = increasing risk of contracting communicable diseases e.g. COVID, influenza, measles, cholera
What are the symptoms of cholera?
- abdomen pain
- nausea
- watery diarrhoea
- vomiting.
What is cholera?
An acute diarrhoeal illness caused by a bacterial infection of the small intestine.
How do you get cholera?
Caused by swallowing food or water contaminated with cholera bacteria – “waterborne disease”
What are the symptoms of malaria?
- fever
- chills
- headache
- fatigue
- confusion
- seizures
- difficulty breathing
What is malaria?
A life-threatening disease caused by parasites that are transmitted to people through the bites of infected female mosquitoes that destroys red blood cells.
What are the symptoms of measles?
- fever
- cough
- red eyes
- red, blotchy rash
What impact does measles have on the body?
Can lead to serious complications including ear infections, pneumonia (lung infection) and encephalitis (inflammation of the brain).
How can measles be prevented?
- Vaccinations
- Washing Hands
- Coughing/Sneezing into elbow
Define Maternal Mortality Rate (MMR)
The number of mothers who die as a result of pregnancy, childbirth or associated treatment (within 6 weeks of delivery) per 100, 000 women who give birth.
What is typhoid?
An infection commonly caused by Salmonella bacteria that causes fever, diarrhea, and a rash.
What is dysentery?
inflammation of the intestines accompanied by bloody diarrhoea; caused by bacteria spread through contaminated food or water.
HIV
Human Immunodeficiency Virus
A virus that attacks the immune system, interfering with the body’s ability to fight infections.
Transmitted through contact with infected blood, semen or vaginal fluids.
What can a Vitamin C deficiency cause?
lowers immune system functioning increases susceptibility to communicable diseases e.g. COVID, influenza, measles, cholera
What can an iron deficiency cause?
iron deficiency anaemia
What can a calcium deficiency cause?
brittle bones and teeth
What is iron deficiency anaemia?
Low red blood cell count/insufficient haemoglobin (oxygen carrying component of blood) causes a lack of oxygen to body’s organs.
Symptoms include:
fatigue
light headedness/dizziness
fast heartbeat
shortness of breath
