4.3 Noncommunicable Disease

Question 1

Multi-causation Model

Answer 1

• Used to look at etiology of non-communicable diseases because many are complex and have multiple risk factors.
• In the middle is the host with inalterable risk factors (genetics, age, race, ethnicity)
• In the next outer layer is modifiable risk factors such as behaviors and beliefs
• On the outermost layer is environmental factors such as water and air quality, economics, infectious disease outbreaks, and local healthcare systems.
• Important for community health nurses to identify risk factors contributing to disease and intervening when possible.

Question 2

Cardiovascular Disease

Answer 2

• Leading cause of death in US

Host (Inner Circle)
- Genetics, Age, Sex, Race

Modifiable Risk Factors (Second Outer Circle)
- Smoking, Physical Activity, Diet

Environmental Risk Factors (Outermost Circle)
- Healthcare System (living near a hospital that specializes in cardiac care)
- Economics (cost of healthcare goes down when you live near a hospital for travel costs)
- Air Pollution (clean air has better outcomes)