Public Health 101: Noncommunicable Diseases

These flashcards cover key concepts and criteria related to noncommunicable diseases and their management, focusing on screening, risk factors, cost-effectiveness, genetic testing, and collaboration in public health.

What is the burden of noncommunicable diseases?

The burden refers to the overall impact, including morbidity and mortality, that noncommunicable diseases impose on individuals and healthcare systems.

How does screening for diseases address their burden?

Screening can detect diseases at an early stage, improving treatment outcomes and reducing disability and death rates.

What are some examples of successful screening programs?

Some successful screening programs include those for colon cancer, hypertension, vision, and hearing.

What criteria make a screening program ideal?

An ideal screening program should identify a high-risk population, be feasible, and be acceptable in terms of harms, costs, and patient acceptance.

What is a multiple risk factor approach?

A multiple risk factor approach intervenes on a series of risk factors simultaneously to reduce the risk of a particular outcome.

What does cost-effectiveness in public health interventions refer to?

Cost-effectiveness assesses whether the benefits of an intervention justify its costs, comparing new interventions to standard ones.

What are potential uses of genetic testing in public health?

Genetic testing can be used for predicting disease risk, pharmacogenetic testing, and reproductive genetic testing.

How can healthcare and public health combine to increase net-effectiveness?

Collaborating in addressing health problems like opioid overdoses and alcohol abuse can lead to better health outcomes and cost savings.

Why is research important in developing interventions for noncommunicable diseases?

Research is essential for creating highly effective interventions when existing options are insufficient or non-existent.

What factors contribute to the effectiveness of screening tests for diseases like breast and colon cancer?

Early detection, feasibility for high-risk populations, and acceptable risks and costs contribute to the effectiveness of screening tests.