Intervention for Primary Prevention of Non-Communicable Diseases

Abstract

The scientific advancement of the 21st century has led the world to a silent pandemic of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). NCD-related mortality has surpassed all other communicable disease deaths put all together. More than 7 out of 10 deaths, or nearly 41 million deaths, account for NCDs every year across the globe. Changing social, economic , and structural factors, such as urbanization and unhealthy lifestyles, are contributing to the NCDs crisis, with 15 million people dying before their 70s each year [1]. The risk factors associated with NCDs are broadly classified into modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors. These risk factors increase the likelihood of disease occurrence. Modifiable risk factors are basically preventable behavioral risk factors that are associated with tobacco use, physical inactivity, the harmful use of alcohol, and unhealthy diets. However, non-modifiable risk factors are related to age, gender , race, ethnicity, and genetic inheritance [2]. Modifiable or preventable risk factors for NCDs are firmly entrenched in the way of life of modern societies, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, or economic status [3]. As a result, four major NCDs, namely cardiovascular diseases, cancer, chronic respiratory diseases, and diabetes, are responsible for more than 80% of all NCD-related premature deaths [4]. Though NCDs are often considered a "lifestyle disorders" [5], this class of diseases has become a public health emergency for low and middle-income countries, owing to their poverty , illiteracy, and a lack of basic amenities [6]. Building the human capital necessary to overcome severe poverty requires making smart and effective investments in people's education [7]. Unfortunately, NCD control and prevention efforts are primarily focused on secondary and ter-tiary prevention in adult and geriatric populations, ignoring the importance of primary prevention in the adolescent age group. These methods are not only costly but also have a poor prognosis in terms of disease outcomes. However, extensive research shows modifiable, preventable risk factors for NCDs emerge in adolescence and affect the likelihood of developing an NCD later in life. Therefore, adolescence is critically important for strategies to combat NCDs, and investments must be made in the primary prevention of NCDs to ensure the health of the future and current generations simultaneously. This will not only be a cost-effective intervention but also a long-lasting and more promising one [8-11]. Globally, more than 85% of children are enrolled in primary and lower secondary schools, where they spend one-third of their time. Schools are a special place for fostering health and provide a crucial window of opportunity for instilling positive behaviors. Only a few countries have successfully implemented health-promoting schools on a large