Epidemiology of chronic non-communicable diseases in low and middle income countries - a review

Background: NCDs are increasing globally, with escalating trends in developing countries, which impose more constraints to an already overburdened health care system. Many of these diseases can be prevented by tackling their determinants and associated risk factors. Methods: This a rapid review of available and accessible NCD epidemiology literature in low and middle income countries. Information for this chapter was taken from scientific manuscripts, reports, and chronic disease and surveillance related books. A review was conducted using the following key words: Results: NCDs are becoming a significant burden in middle income developing countries. The major groups of chronic NCDs are diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular diseases, cancers, and chronic pulmonary disease. The increasing prevalence of NCDs in middle income countries is attributed to rapid urbanization, globalization, industrialization which result in marked changes in patterns of consumption of food and alcohol, increased tobacco use and sedentary lifestyles, high levels of stress and low levels of physical activity. The burden of NCDs is likely to increase tremendously over the coming decades unless there is appropriate action taken. Conclusion: Prominent causes for CVDs, diabetes, cancer and pulmonary diseases can be prevented by developing efficient strategies that deal seriously with the determinants of these diseases and their risk factors. Although some risk factors, such as age, ethnicity, and gender, obviously cannot be modified, most of the risk is attributable to lifestyle and behavioral patterns, which can be changed.