The double burden phenomenon: A much needed status check
Disciplines
Health and Physical Education
Abstract (300 words maximum)
BACKGROUND: The double burden is a well-known concept affecting individuals in developing countries, especially African countries where environmental and cultural factors exacerbate the issue.
The double burden phenomenon has been well documented and discussed, but what are the action steps being taken to minimize the burden? Current efforts target either the communicable disease or the non-communicable disease in the double burden scenario but not both. Further, the double burden diseases are not often associated with affected populations.
There are many reasons as to why real change is ineffectual: 1) double burden diseases are rarely discussed in unison, which means they are not targeted as such and 2) double burden diseases are associated with general regions, which provides little direction for targeted intervention and implementation. Therefore, current efforts and recommendations lack the focus needed to minimize the double burden impact.
METHODS: An extensive review and ranking of double burden diseases and their affected countries will provide the necessary focus. In addition, current efforts and recommendations will be compiled and collated specific to the double burden ranking.
RESULTS OR ANTICIPATED RESULTS: A range of double burden diseases will be established to identify severity and susceptibility in specific African countries. The range will be designed based upon African countries but can be easily applied to other developing countries that are plagued by the double burden.
CONCLUSIONS: The double burden is a worthy discussion, but it is time to quit talking. It is time to take action that is focused and directs real change.
Academic department under which the project should be listed
WCHHS - Health Promotion and Physical Education
Primary Investigator (PI) Name
Mari-Amanda Dyal
The double burden phenomenon: A much needed status check
BACKGROUND: The double burden is a well-known concept affecting individuals in developing countries, especially African countries where environmental and cultural factors exacerbate the issue.
The double burden phenomenon has been well documented and discussed, but what are the action steps being taken to minimize the burden? Current efforts target either the communicable disease or the non-communicable disease in the double burden scenario but not both. Further, the double burden diseases are not often associated with affected populations.
There are many reasons as to why real change is ineffectual: 1) double burden diseases are rarely discussed in unison, which means they are not targeted as such and 2) double burden diseases are associated with general regions, which provides little direction for targeted intervention and implementation. Therefore, current efforts and recommendations lack the focus needed to minimize the double burden impact.
METHODS: An extensive review and ranking of double burden diseases and their affected countries will provide the necessary focus. In addition, current efforts and recommendations will be compiled and collated specific to the double burden ranking.
RESULTS OR ANTICIPATED RESULTS: A range of double burden diseases will be established to identify severity and susceptibility in specific African countries. The range will be designed based upon African countries but can be easily applied to other developing countries that are plagued by the double burden.
CONCLUSIONS: The double burden is a worthy discussion, but it is time to quit talking. It is time to take action that is focused and directs real change.