Understanding NCDs in Disaster Settings: Key Insights for Practitioners
Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are a leading cause of mortality worldwide, accounting for 70% of deaths globally. Low and middle-income countries (LMICs), which face the largest burden of humanitarian emergencies, are disproportionately affected by NCDs. A systematic review titled "Systematic review on chronic non-communicable disease in disaster settings" provides valuable insights into the epidemiology, interventions, and treatment of NCDs in these settings.
Key Findings from the Review
The review highlights that NCDs represent a significant burden for populations affected by humanitarian crises, despite a lack of data from certain regions and disease categories. The majority of studies included in the review presented epidemiologic evidence for the burden of disease, with few addressing clinical management or intervention delivery. Common barriers to healthcare access in disaster settings include low levels of education, financial difficulties, displacement, illiteracy, lack of access to medications, affordability of treatment and monitoring devices, and centralized healthcare infrastructure for NCDs.
Implications for Practitioners
Practitioners working in disaster settings can improve their skills by focusing on the following areas:
- Screening and Prevention: Implement screening programs for NCDs in disaster-prone settings to identify at-risk populations early.
- Intervention Development: Develop interventions that address the unique challenges faced by populations in disaster settings, such as limited access to medications and healthcare infrastructure.
- Resource Allocation: Allocate resources effectively by understanding the specific needs of different regions and populations affected by disasters.
- Further Research: Encourage further research to address gaps in data, particularly in underrepresented regions and disease categories.
Encouraging Further Research
The review calls for increased focus on the effects of, and mitigating factors for, NCDs in disaster-afflicted LMICs. While the majority of studies included in the review presented epidemiologic evidence for the burden of disease, research is needed to address contributing factors, interventions, and means of managing disease during humanitarian emergencies in LMICs.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Systematic review on chronic non-communicable disease in disaster settings.
