Non-Communicable Diseases

Question 1

What is a non-communicable disease?

Answer 1

An impairment of bodily structure and function that necessitates a modification of the patient’s normal life, and has persisted over an extended period of time

Question 2

What are the defining characteristics of NCDs?

Answer 2

Are permanent
Leave residual disability
Are caused by non-reversible pathological alterations
Require special training of the patient for rehabilitation
May be expected to require a long period of supervision, observation or care

Question 3

NCDs account for … of global disease burden; … of deaths

Answer 3

NCDs account for 43% of global disease burden; 60% of deaths
Projection: By 2025, NCDs will account for 67% disease burden and 76% of deaths

Question 4

What are the drivers for NCDs?

Answer 4

1. Control of communicable diseases- malaria, diarrhea diseases, respiratory tract, infections etc.
2. Urbanization and industrialization
3. Life style and behaviours
4. Increased life expectancy- more people living to old age
5. Modern health services

Question 5

Give examples of NCDs

Answer 5

Cardiovascular Diseases
Cancers
Diabetes
Injuries

Question 6

State the characteristics of NCDs

Answer 6

• Absence of known etiological agent
• Multifactorial causation – absence of one to one cause but “risk factors”. Risk factors- factors that are positively associated with the risk of development of a disease but are not sufficient to cause the disease
• Long latency period. Period between 1st exposure to suspected factor and eventual development of disease Hence difficult to link factor & dx, difficult to prevent.
• Indefinite onset- Slow

Question 7

What are the modifiable risk factors of NCDs?

Answer 7

• Lifestyle : Cigarette smoking; Excessive alcohol; Dietary patterns; Physical inactivity
• Environmental: Occupational hazards; Radiation; Other pollutants
• Failure or inability to get preventive health services such as: Screening; Early treatment
• Stress factors
• Recently identified aetiological factors
  Viral carcinogenesis
  HPV, Epstein barr virus, HIV

Question 8

What are the non-modifiable risk factors of NCDs?

Answer 8

Family history

Advancing age

Question 9

How are NCDs diagnosed?

Answer 9

• Biochemical testing e.g diabetes, cholesterol
• Blood tests for markers
• Radiologic tests, X-ray, Ultrasound, MRI, CAT scan, PET scan
• Biopsies
• Genetic testing

Question 10

Describe the types of interventions that can prevent NCDs

Answer 10

1. Primordial-Anti-smoking, alcohol, drug abuse laws and legislation.
2. Primary-Health promotion, modification of risk factors e.g physical activity, relaxation & rest, good nutrition, emotional stability-avoidance of stress, health education, avoidance of exposure to harmful substances
3. Secondary- Screening, case finding, prompt Rx
4. Tertiary- Limit disability and rehabilitation