Common Risk Factor Approach for Oral Diseases- A SWOT Analysis

Abstract

Keywords: Risk Factor; Oral Diseases; NCDs Non Communicable Diseases (NCD) are on a rising trend in developed and developing world. Oral diseases are now considered as public health problem due to its effect on quality of life. Both these diseases are having many epidemiological similarities. Classical method of disease prevention and control strategies are not applicable there. Due to the presence of similar determinants in disease formation, a new method called-common risk factor approach is devised as a preventive strategy for them. The method aims to control risk factors which are common to NCDs and oral diseases. The method is based on principles of health promotion and is cost effective, but at the same time it has a many limitations too. The method have limited evidence regarding its application, hence it should be practiced with caution. Of 56.9 million global deaths in 2016, 40.5 million, or 71%, were due to noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). The four main NCDs are cardiovascular diseases, cancers, diabetes and chronic lung diseases. The burden of these diseases is rising disproportionately among lower income countries and populations. In 2016, over three quarters of NCD deaths-31.5 million-occurred in low-and middle-income countries with about 46% of deaths occurring before the age of 70 in these countries [1]. Oral diseases, including dental caries, periodontal disease and oral cancer, are neglected but important NCDs with a significant burden on overall health [2].