Are Social Inequities the Reason for the Increase in Chronic Non Communicable Diseases? A Systematic Review

Abstract

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) have increased at an alarming rate in both industrialized countries and the developing world. NCDs, which are highly disabling diseases when allowed to develop freely, can ultimately compromise the lives of those who suffer from them. Over the two last decades, an association has emerged between social inequities and the development of NCDs such as diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular disease, dyslipidemia, asthma and hypertension even while people still face undernourishment and stunting. The purpose of this research is to systematically review the existing indexed literature related to the association between supporting the construction of a system of prevention, education and treatment through national and or international public policies and confronting the increase of these diseases. Four different databases including ALAN, SciELO, Lilacs and Science Direct were reviewed, and a total of 22 articles were found related to the topic. The results of these studies are consistent in supporting the association between social disparities and the emergence of NCDs and reported that living in poverty and low family educational level are the main determinants. Nevertheless, variations according to the specific population context were found, suggesting the complexity of the interaction of social determinants for achieving adequate health.