Global Health and Noncommunicable Diseases

These flashcards cover key concepts and terminology related to noncommunicable diseases, their impact, and associated mental health issues.

Noncommunicable Diseases (NCDs)

Diseases that are not transmitted from person to person, often chronic and requiring long-term management.

Type 2 Diabetes

A metabolic disorder characterized by persistent high blood sugar, often due to obesity and sedentary lifestyle.

Hypertension

A condition marked by abnormally high blood pressure, defined as ≥140/90 mmHg.

Lung Cancer

A type of cancer associated with smoking, characterized by uncontrolled cell growth in the lung tissue.

Depression

A mental disorder characterized by persistent sadness and loss of interest, requiring ongoing treatment.

Cardiovascular Diseases (CVD)

A group of disorders of the heart and blood vessels, including heart disease and stroke.

Chronic Respiratory Diseases

Diseases that affect the airways and lungs, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), often linked to smoking.

Biological Risk Factors

Metabolic conditions such as hypertension, elevated blood glucose, and high cholesterol that increase the risk of NCDs.

Behavioral Risk Factors

Modifiable lifestyle behaviors, such as unhealthy diet, physical inactivity, and tobacco use, that contribute to NCDs.

Global Burden of Noncommunicable Diseases

NCDs account for over 41 million deaths each year, significantly affecting low- and middle-income countries.

Social Determinants of Mental Health

Economic and social conditions that shape mental health outcomes, including poverty and discrimination.

Global Mental Health (GMH)

A field focused on promoting mental well-being and reducing inequities in mental health care worldwide.

Gaps in Mental Health Care

Low coverage of mental health treatment globally, with significant barriers including stigma and weak health systems.

Invisible Epidemic

A term describing NCDs due to their increasing prevalence and impact, often overshadowed by infectious diseases.

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Global goals related to health, including reducing NCDs and promoting mental health as part of health equity.