Non-communicable diseases account for three-quarters of deaths worldwide but affect different population groups in different ways, a World Health Organization study showed on Tuesday.
The study confirmed that social marginalisation, disability and migrant status were significant factors contributing to increased risk. In its biggest-ever look at inequality in health and non-communicable diseases (NCDs), the WHO studied the top four killers — cancer, cardiovascular diseases, chronic respiratory diseases and diabetes. For example, the report found that in low- and middle-income countries, less educated populations suffered higher rates of hypertension and diabetes. Cervical cancer screening rates are very low among the poorest and least-educated women; while tobacco use remains higher among less-educated men than among more educated men. Looking at geographical factors, the study found that people in rural areas has significantly more limited access to hypertension diagnosis and cancer screening.
The 10 years of national data, collected between 2013 and 2022, confirmed that socio-economic status influences health at every stage — from initial exposure to risk factors, through to diagnosis, treatment and disease management.
