Epidemiology of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs)

These flashcards summarize key vocabulary related to the epidemiology and characteristics of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), helping to prepare for an exam on this topic.

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs)

Health conditions that cannot be transmitted from one individual to another, often chronic and progressively harmful.

Chronic diseases

Medical conditions that are long-lasting and usually progressive, leading to severe health complications.

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD)

Disorders related to the heart and blood vessels, including coronary heart disease and stroke.

Cancer

A group of diseases characterized by uncontrolled division of abnormal cells that can spread to other parts of the body.

Chronic respiratory diseases

Conditions affecting the airways and structures of the lungs, such as COPD and asthma.

Diabetes

A metabolic disorder characterized by high blood sugar levels due to the body's inability to produce or effectively use insulin.

Musculoskeletal diseases

Disorders affecting the joints, muscles, and bones, such as arthritis and osteoporosis.

Preventable risk factors

Lifestyle choices that can be modified to reduce the risk of NCDs, including diet, physical inactivity, and tobacco use.

Natural history of NCDs

The progression and trajectory of non-communicable diseases over time, often involving a series of stages from risk to disease manifestation.

Public health interventions

Strategies employed to reduce the prevalence and impact of NCDs, focusing on lifestyle modification and health education.

Risk factors for NCDs

Factors that increase the likelihood of developing non-communicable diseases, including behavioral, metabolic, and environmental factors.

Causal pathway of NCDs

The sequence of events and conditions that lead to the onset of non-communicable diseases.

WHO initiatives

Global health strategies led by the World Health Organization aimed at reducing mortality and improving management of NCDs.

Screening for NCDs

Processes designed to identify diseases in their early stages before symptoms appear, enabling timely treatment.

Palliative care

A specialized approach in medical care focused on providing relief from symptoms and improving the quality of life for patients with serious illnesses.

Social determinants of health

Conditions in which people are born, grow, live, work, and age, influencing individual and group differences in health status.

Environmental risk factors

External conditions that can contribute to the onset of non-communicable diseases, such as air pollution and occupational hazards.

Lifestyle modifications

Changes in daily habits and routines aimed at reducing the risk of developing NCDs, such as healthier eating and regular physical activity.