Thesis Abstract

Abstract
Chronic diseases represent a significant burden on global healthcare systems due to their long-lasting nature and associated complications. The prevalence of chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, cancer, and respiratory conditions, continues to rise worldwide, posing a challenge to public health. Preventive measures play a crucial role in reducing the incidence and burden of chronic diseases. This research project aims to explore the various preventive measures that can effectively reduce the risk factors associated with chronic diseases. A comprehensive review of existing literature and epidemiological data will be conducted to identify the most common chronic diseases and their risk factors. Strategies for prevention will be analyzed, focusing on lifestyle modifications, early detection, and interventions to control underlying conditions. The role of individual behavior, including diet, physical activity, and tobacco use, will be examined as key determinants of chronic disease development. Additionally, the impact of environmental factors, such as pollution and occupational hazards, will be considered in the context of preventive strategies. The research will also investigate the influence of genetic predisposition on chronic disease susceptibility and how personalized medicine approaches can enhance preventive efforts. Furthermore, the project will assess the effectiveness of population-level interventions, including public health campaigns, policy initiatives, and healthcare system improvements, in reducing the overall burden of chronic diseases. The integration of preventive measures into primary healthcare services will be evaluated to determine their feasibility and impact on disease outcomes. Overall, this research project aims to provide valuable insights into the preventive measures that can mitigate the rising prevalence of chronic diseases and improve public health outcomes. By identifying key risk factors and effective prevention strategies, this study seeks to inform healthcare professionals, policymakers, and the general public on the importance of early intervention and lifestyle modifications in reducing the burden of chronic diseases. The findings from this research have the potential to guide future public health efforts and contribute to the development of targeted interventions that promote health and well-being across populations.

Thesis Overview

INTRODUCTION

1.1 OVERVIEW

A chronic disease is a human health condition or disease that is persistent or otherwise long-lasting in its effects or a disease that comes with time. The term chronic is often applied when the course of the disease lasts for more than three months.

In Epidemiology, a risk factor is a variable associated with an increased risk of disease or infection for example tobacco smoking is a risk factor for lung cancer.

Preventive Measures consists of measures taken for disease prevention, as opposed to disease treatment.

Common chronic diseases include arthritis, asthma, cancer, COPD, diabetes and some viral diseases such as hepatitis C and HIV/AIDS. These diseases are generally preventable when risk factors are known and preventive measures are taken into proper consideration.

Chronic diseases constitute a major cause of mortality, and the World Health Organization (WHO) attributes 38 million deaths a year to chronic diseases (Ward and Black, 2016).

1.2 Types of Chronic Diseases

Chronic Disease have often been used to describe the various health related states of the human body such as syndromes, physical impairments, disabilities as well as diseases. Epidemiologists have found interest in chronic conditions due to the fact they contribute to disease, disability, and diminished physical and/or mental capacity. For example, high blood pressure or hypertension is considered to be not only a chronic condition itself but also correlated to diseases such as heart attack or stroke.

Additionally, some socioeconomic factors may be considered as a chronic condition as they lead to disability in daily life. An important one that public health officials in the social science setting have begun highlighting is chronic poverty (Hulme and Shepherd, 2003).

There are four major types of chronic disease classified by the World Health Organisation in 2015 and they are:

1. Cancers
2. Cardiovascular diseases, including cerebrovascular disease, heart failure, and ischemic cardiopathy
3. Chronic respiratory diseases, such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
4. Diabetes mellitus

Other examples of chronic diseases and health conditions include:

· Addiction

· Alzheimer’s disease

· Atrial fibrillation

· Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

· Autoimmune diseases, such as ulcerative colitis, lupus erythematosus, Crohn’s disease, coeliac disease, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, and relapsing polychondritis

· Bipolar disorde