Search Results (49)

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) impose an overwhelming burden on global health systems. Prevailing healthcare for NCDs remains largely hospital-centered, episodic, and reactive, rendering them poorly suited to address the long-term, heterogeneous, and multifactorial nature of NCDs. Rapid advances in digital technologies, artificial intelligence (AI), and precision medicine have catalyzed the development of an integrative framework for digital-intelligent precision health management, characterized by the functional integration of data, models, and decision support. It is best understood as an integrated health management framework operating across three interdependent dimensions. First, it is grounded in multidimensional health-related phenotyping, enabled by continuous digital sensing, wearable and ambient devices, and multi-omics profiling, which together allow for comprehensive, longitudinal characterization of individual health states in real-world settings. Second, it leverages intelligent risk warning and early diagnosis, whereby multimodal data are fused using advanced machine learning algorithms to generate dynamic risk prediction, detect early pathological deviations, and refine disease stratification beyond conventional static models. Third, it culminates in health management under intelligent decision-making, integrating digital twins and AI health agents to support personalized intervention planning, virtual simulation, adaptive optimization, and closed-loop management across the disease continuum. Framed in this way, digital-intelligent precision health management enables a fundamental shift from passive care towards proactive, anticipatory, and individual-centered health management. This Perspectives article synthesizes recent literature from the past three years, critically examines translational and ethical challenges, and outlines future directions for embedding this framework within population health and healthcare systems. Full article

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a growing public health challenge worldwide, disproportionately affecting populations in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Poor glycemic control contributes significantly to the global burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), increasing morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs. Understanding behavioral and lifestyle determinants is critical for designing effective public health strategies, particularly in resource-limited settings such as Lesotho. A cross-sectional population-based study was conducted among 184 adults with T2DM attending the out-patient department of Maluti Adventist Hospital, Lesotho. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire and analyzed descriptively with SPSS 26 Variables assessed included sociodemographic, dietary practices, physical activity, behavioral risk factors and self-care knowledge. Participants were predominantly aged 45–69 years (65.2%), with an equal sex distribution. Hypertension was the most prevalent comorbidity (65.2%). Risk factor exposure was widespread, 100% consumed fewer than five daily servings of fruits/vegetables, 95.1% reported insufficient physical activity, and 88.0% had elevated blood pressure. Overall, 86.4% had three or more NCD risk factors. Knowledge levels were intermediate, with 33.2% scoring poor, 52.7% moderate, and only 14.1% good. Glycemic control was suboptimal, with 40.8% uncontrolled. This study highlights the urgent public health need to address lifestyle and behavioral determinants of poor glycemic control in Lesotho. Tailored interventions focusing on dietary education, physical activity promotion, and routine monitoring are essential to reduce NCD risks and improve outcomes. The findings have broader implications for achieving Sustainable Development Goal 3.4 on reducing premature NCD mortality in LMICs. Strengthening culturally sensitive health promotion, community-based interventions, and integrated chronic disease care models could significantly advance diabetes prevention and control in low-resource settings. Full article

Background: Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, obesity, and cancer are the leading cause of mortality globally and in Saudi Arabia, accounting for more than 70% of all deaths. Despite national initiatives offering free preventive services, screening uptake remains low. This study aimed to describe the demographic and clinical characteristics of individuals participating in community-based NCD screening campaigns in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia and to evaluate screening uptake, compliance, and diagnostic outcomes. Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional analysis was conducted among 3106 adults screened at volunteer-driven community campaigns held between January 2023 and December 2024. Screening included anthropometric measurements, blood pressure assessment, and glucose testing, followed by eligibility evaluation for osteoporosis and cancer screening. Uptake and compliance were verified using electronic health records. Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were applied. Results: Participants were 64% male and 36% female, with a mean age of 41.4 ± SD years. Obesity, hypertension, and diabetes were identified in 32%, 31%, and 12% of participants overall. Gender-stratified prevalence showed higher obesity among females at 36% (95% CI 32.3 to 38.1) and higher hypertension and diabetes among males at 36% (95% CI 34.0 to 38.2) and 14% (95% CI 12.1 to 15.2), respectively. Uptake among eligible individuals was 51% for dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA), 47% for fecal immunochemical testing (FIT), 43% for Pap smear, and 39% for mammography. Diagnostic findings demonstrated substantial undetected disease burden, including osteoporosis in 41% (95% CI 26.0 to 56.8) of DEXA scans, a FIT positivity rate of 5% (95% CI 1.5 to 10.3), abnormal Pap cytology in 3% (95% CI 1.1 to 7.5), and BI-RADS 0 mammograms in 19% (95% CI 11.9 to 29.5), reflecting incomplete assessments requiring further evaluation. Conclusions: Community-based campaigns can effectively resolve limited engagement in health promotional activities and detect substantial burdens of undiagnosed NCDs. However, improvements in referral tracking, follow-up systems, and culturally tailored health education are essential to enhance screening compliance and early detection outcomes. These results can be utilized to inform public policies by extending screening services to additional areas, increasing investment in preventive health campaigns, and enhancing the capacity of the health system. Full article

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) affect over 2.1 billion children globally, accounting for 15.9% of deaths in children under 20 and contributing 174 million years lived with disability. Integrating nutrition care into NCD management within health systems can save lives, reduce costs, and improve quality of life. Nutrition interventions have been found to improve survival rates in children with cancer by 30%. Incorporating early nutrition interventions in hospitals is associated with a 36% reduction in per-patient costs. Despite these clear benefits, nutrition care is often not readily accessible as part of NCD management in children. Access to trained nutrition professionals is limited, and nutrition training for healthcare workers is often inadequate. There are cost-effective and scalable models for delivering high-quality nutrition care, but scaling these models will require commitment to capacity building, training, technological innovation, and monitoring frameworks. Coordinated, multisectoral responses are needed urgently to incorporate nutrition sustainably into healthcare systems to confront the growing burden of childhood NCDs. Full article

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs), including cancer and autoimmune, metabolic, cardiovascular, and neurodegenerative diseases, represent the leading cause of death globally and a growing healthcare burden. The gut microbiota (GM) has been recognized as a key biological component of host health that contributes to the maintenance of immune regulation, metabolic homeostasis, and epithelial barrier function. Several studies are now demonstrating that biological sex has an influence on both GM composition and function, which might explain sex differences in disease predisposition, course, and treatment response. Evidence from both clinical and experimental studies indicates that sex hormones, genetics, and lifestyle-related exposures interact with GM to influence the development and progression of most common NCDs. Some research suggests that estrogens promote diversity in GM with anti-inflammatory immune responses, while androgens and male-abundant taxa are associated with pro-inflammatory conditions. However, the evidence in humans is largely confounded by other variables (such as age, genetics, and lifestyle) and should be interpreted with caution. Unique GM metabolites, such as short-chain fatty acids and secondary bile acids, can have distinct, sex-specific effects on inflammation, metabolic regulation, and even antitumor immunity. While the existence of a sex–gut microbiota axis is gaining increased support, most studies in humans are cross-sectional epidemiological studies with limited mechanistic evidence and little consideration for sex as a biological variable. Future works should prioritize longitudinal, sex-stratified studies and utilize multi-omics integrated approaches to identify causal pathways. Ultimately, integrating sex differences into GM-based approaches could provide new avenues for personalized strategies for the prevention and treatment of NCDs. Full article

Background: Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) have become a major threat to global public health, with the disease burden particularly severe in developing countries, China being one of them. The preventive and control effects of traditional treatment methods on NCDs are limited, and innovative strategies are urgently needed. In recent years, vaccine technology has expanded from the field of infectious diseases to non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Therapeutic vaccines have shown the potential to intervene in chronic diseases through immunomodulation, but their research and development (R & D), as well as promotion, still face multiple challenges. Methods: This article systematically reviews the current development status of NCD vaccines worldwide and points out the imbalance in their matching with disease burden: current research focuses on the field of cancer, while there is a lack of targeted vaccines for high-burden diseases such as hypertension and chronic kidney disease; the progress of independent R & D in China lags behind, and there are implementation obstacles such as uneven distribution of medical resources between urban and rural areas and low public willingness to be vaccinated. Results: By analyzing the biological mechanisms of NCD vaccines and non-biological challenges, phased solutions are proposed: In the short term, focus on target discovery and improvement of vaccine accessibility. In the medium term, strengthen multi-center clinical trials and international technology sharing. In the long term, build a digital health monitoring system and a public–private partnership financing model. Conclusions: The breakthrough of NCD vaccines requires interdisciplinary collaboration and systematic policy support. Their successful application will reshape the paradigm of chronic disease prevention and control, providing a new path for global health equity. Full article

Background: Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are a leading cause of mortality globally, contributing significantly to the burden on healthcare systems. Understanding the spatiotemporal patterns of NCD mortality is crucial for identifying vulnerable populations and regions at high risk. Objectives: Here, we evaluated the spatiotemporal patterns of NCD mortality in the Metropolitan Area of the Valley of Mexico (MAVM) from 2000 to 2019 for five International Classification of Diseases chapters (4, 5, 6, 9, and 10) at two spatial scales: the municipal level and metropolitan region. Methods: Mortality rates were calculated for the total population and stratified by sex and age groups at both spatial scales. In addition, the relative risk (RR) of mortality was estimated to identify vulnerable population groups and regions with a high risk of mortality, using women and the 25–34 age group as reference categories for population-level analysis, and the overall MAVM mortality rate as the reference for municipal-level analysis. Results: Mortality trends showed that circulatory-system diseases (Chapter 9) are emerging as a concerning health issue, with 45 municipalities showing increasing mortality trends, especially among older adults. Respiratory-system diseases (Chapter 10), mental and behavioral disorders (Chapter 5) and nervous-system diseases (Chapter 6) predominantly did not exhibit a consistent general mortality trend. However, upon disaggregating by sex and age groups, specific negative or positive trends emerged at the municipal level for some of these chapters or subgroups. Endocrine, nutritional, and metabolic diseases (Chapter 4) showed a complex pattern, with some age groups presenting increasing mortality trends, and 52 municipalities showing increasing trends overall. The RR showed men and older age groups (≥35 years) exhibiting higher mortality risks. The temporal trend of RR allowed us to identify spatial mortality hotspots mainly in chapters related to circulatory, endocrine, and respiratory diseases, forming four geographical clusters in Mexico City that show persistent high risk of mortality. Conclusions: The spatiotemporal analysis highlights municipalities and vulnerable populations with a consistently elevated mortality risk. These findings emphasize the need for monitoring NCD mortality patterns at both the municipal and metropolitan levels to address disparities and guide the implementation of health policies aimed at reducing mortality risk in vulnerable populations. Full article

Background/Objectives: Climate change is a major factor exacerbating non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as cardiovascular diseases, neoplasms, respiratory diseases, and diabetes, especially in vulnerable Latin American regions. This study analyzes the impact of environmental exposures related to climate change on the NCD burden in eight Latin American countries by quantifying the disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) attributable to these factors. Using Global Burden of Disease (GBD) data (1990–2021), we performed multiple linear regression to assess associations between DALYs and environmental risk factors—air pollution (particulate matter, nitrogen dioxide), radon, lead, and extreme temperatures—in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Mexico, Peru, and Uruguay. The study included major NCDs, and the population was stratified by age and sex. Results: Ischemic heart disease was the leading cause of DALYs in most countries. Particulate matter pollution was the main environmental risk factor contributing to the NCD burden, mainly affecting cardiovascular and respiratory diseases. Mexico showed the highest DALYs from particulate and ozone pollution; temperature and lead exposure also contributed in some countries. Nitrogen dioxide was the primary risk factor for asthma. Statistically significant relationships between environmental factors and DALYs were confirmed. Conclusions: Climate change-related exposures significantly increase the burden of NCDs in Latin America. Targeted interventions in industry, transportation, and energy, along with sustainable urban policies, are essential to mitigate health impacts and reduce disparities. Integrating environmental health into public policies can improve health outcomes amid ongoing climate challenges. Full article

Background: Chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are a major global health challenge, with unhealthy diets contributing significantly to their burden. Metabolomics data offer new possibilities for identifying nutritional biomarkers, as demonstrated in short-term intervention studies. This study investigated associations between habitual dietary intake and urinary metabolites, a not well-studied area. Methods: Data were available from 496 participants of the population-based MEIA study. Linear and median regression models examined associations between habitual dietary intake and metabolites, adjusted for possible confounders. K-means clustering identified urinary metabolite clusters, and multinomial regression models were applied to analyze associations between food intake and metabolite clusters. Results: Using linear regression models, previously reported associations could be replicated, including citrus intake with proline betaine, protein intake with urea, and fiber intake with hippurate. Novel findings include positive associations of poultry intake with taurine, indoxyl sulfate, 1-methylnicotinamide, and trimethylamine-N-oxide. Milk substitutes were positively associated with urinary uracil, pseudouridine, 4-hydroxyhippurate, and 3-hydroxyhippurate, and inversely associated with quinic acid. Dietary fiber intake showed a positive association with 3-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-3-hydroxypropionic acid and a negative association with indoxyl sulfate. We identified sucrose and taurine as key metabolites differentiating metabolite clusters. Multinomial regression analysis confirmed significantly different dietary associations across clusters, particularly for fruits, processed meat, poultry, and alcoholic beverages. Conclusions: This study highlights established and novel food–metabolite associations, demonstrating the potential of urinary metabolomics for use as nutritional biomarkers in individuals from the general population. Full article

Neglecting preventive healthcare policies has contributed to the global surge in chronic diseases, increased hospitalizations, declining quality of care, and escalating costs. Non-communicable diseases (NCDs)—notably cardiovascular conditions, diabetes, and cancer—consume over 80% of healthcare expenditure and account for more than 60% of global deaths, which are projected to exceed 75% by 2030. Poor diets, sedentary lifestyles, regulatory loopholes, and underfunded public health initiatives are driving this crisis. Compounding the issue are flawed policies, congressional lobbying, and conflicts of interest that prioritize costly, hospital-based, symptom-driven care over identifying and treating to eliminate root causes and disease prevention. Regulatory agencies are failing to deliver their intended functions. For instance, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) broad oversight across drugs, devices, food, and supplements has resulted in inefficiencies, reduced transparency, and public safety risks. This broad mandate has allowed the release of unsafe drugs, food additives, and supplements, contributing to the rising childhood diseases, the burden of chronic illness, and over-medicalization. The author proposes separating oversight responsibilities: transferring authority over food, supplements, and OTC products to a new Food and Nutraceutical Agency (FNA), allowing the FDA to be restructured as the Drug and Device Agency (DDA), to refocus on pharmaceuticals and medical devices. While complete reform requires Congressional action, interim policy shifts are urgently needed to improve public health. Broader structural changes—including overhauling the Affordable Care Act, eliminating waste and fraud, redesigning regulatory and insurance systems, and eliminating intermediaries are essential to reducing costs, improving care, and transforming national and global health outcomes. The information provided herein can serve as a White Paper to help reform health agencies and healthcare systems for greater efficiency and lower costs in the USA and globally. Full article

Metabolism is a complex network of biochemical pathways that break down macromolecules to produce energy essential for cellular function. Disruptions in metabolic homeostasis are closely linked to noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) such as cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and cancer, which are leading causes of death worldwide. Many NCD-associated conditions, including obesity and insulin resistance, stem from metabolic dysfunction, and current therapies often fall short in preventing disease progression, highlighting the need for novel therapeutic targets. Microproteins, small proteins of ≤100–150 amino acids, have recently emerged as important regulators of metabolism. Encoded by short open reading frames (sORFs), many of these proteins were historically overlooked due to their small size and misclassification as noncoding RNAs. Advances in genomics and proteomics have revealed that these sORFs can encode functional proteins with critical roles in metabolic pathways. In this review, we highlight the microproteins involved in energy metabolism, mitochondrial function, and nutrient signaling. We discuss their emerging roles in the pathogenesis of NCDs and explore their potential as novel therapeutic targets. As microprotein biology continues to evolve, these small but powerful regulators may offer new strategies for treating metabolic dysfunction and reducing the global burden of NCDs. Full article

Background/Objectives: Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL) are the key indicators of the autonomy and functional ability in older adults with neurocognitive disorders (NCDs). However, the specific predictors of IADL performance across the NCD spectrum remains insufficiently characterized. This study aimed to identify the cognitive, motor, and caregiver-related determinants of the IADL in individuals with minor and major NCDs. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 117 participants referred from a university-based dementia clinic. Standardized tools were administered to evaluate their IADL performance (Lawton IADL Scale), cognition [Addenbrooke’s Cognitive Examination III (ACE-III)], Functional Cognitive Assessment Scale (FUCAS)], motor functions, balance, and mobility [Tinetti Test, Timed Up and Go (TUG)], emotional status [Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS)], neuropsychiatric symptoms [Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI)], and caregiver burden [Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI)]. Multiple regression analyses were performed to identify the significant predictors of IADL performance. Results: In the total sample (n = 117), the IADL performance was significantly predicted via ACE-III, FUCAS, and Tinetti-balance (adjusted R² = 0.729). In the minor NCD group (n = 41), the significant predictors included sex, FUCAS, GDS, Tinetti-balance, and TUG (adjusted R² = 0.725). In the major NCD group (n = 76), ACE-III, FUCAS, and Tinetti-balance remained the significant predictors (adjusted R² = 0.634). Female sex and a worse profile on the other variables were associated with lower IADL scores. Conclusions: Global cognitive decline, executive dysfunction in everyday problem-solving situations, and balance impairment are the key determinants of IADL performance across both minor and major NCDs. Female sex and depressive symptoms further predicted the IADL performance in the minor NCD group. These findings highlight the need for multidisciplinary assessment and intervention strategies to promote health and autonomy and preserve the functional independence in older adults with NCDs. Full article

Background: Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are the leading cause of global mortality. The WHO projects a rise in NCD-related deaths from 36 million in 2018 to 55 million by 2030, with developing countries being the most affected. Effective community-based primary health care (PHC) can reduce the burden of chronic diseases of lifestyle (CDLs). This study aimed to develop a risk assessment and health promotion framework to strengthen CDL prevention and control in Free State (FS) communities in South Africa. Methods: A convergent mixed-method design was used. Quantitative analysis identified CDL risk factors in rural and urban FS settings, while qualitative focus group discussions explored participants’ knowledge of CDLs and their experiences with program implementation. Results: Key findings highlighted differences in risk profiles, CDL training needs for PHC teams, patient education gaps, and curriculum development. Step 1 of the framework development identified differences and similarities in the CDL risk profiles of the study populations. Step 2 identified CDL training needs for PHC teams, patient educational needs, and CDL curriculum development needs. Step 3 revealed three main barriers: resource constraints, patient non-compliance, and the lack of supporting healthcare services. In Step 4, the six focus areas identified (steps 1–3) were used to develop strategies for implementing a tailored, community-based, patient-centred approach. Conclusions: The results provide valuable insights for improving PHC responses in resource-limited settings. Full article

Background/Objectives: Understanding the relationship between non-communicable diseases (NCDs), obesity, and health expenditure is crucial for developing effective public health policies, particularly in light of the rising global burden of NCDs and obesity. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the causal relationships between NCDs, obesity, and health expenditure in Turkiye. Methods: Data were collected from the World Health Organization and Our World in Data. Time series econometric analysis was performed using the Toda–Yamamoto causality approach. A model was designed to regularly capture causal relationships to ensure robust and consistent findings. Results: The analysis revealed four significant results. First, a causal relationship was observed between obesity and the prevalence of NCDs, indicating that higher obesity rates lead to an increase in NCDs within the population. Second, obesity had a direct impact on health expenditures, as rising obesity levels drove up healthcare costs. Third, the burden of NCDs contributed to increased health expenditure. Finally, the combined effect of obesity and NCDs on health expenditure was statistically significant at the 0.05 level. Conclusions: These results highlight the need for policymakers to develop more effective strategies to address both obesity and NCDs. Recommended policies include the implementation of public health programs aimed at preventing obesity, strengthening early diagnosis and treatment methods, and increasing awareness campaigns focused on NCDs. These measures would be crucial steps in improving public health and controlling healthcare expenditures. Full article