Prevention of noncommunicable diseases: from risk factors to the national programs

Introduction. High mortality from noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) leads to significant economic losses, both direct associated with increasing costs for the health system and indirect associated with a decrease in labour potential due to disability and premature mortality of the population. It is known that the same risk factors (RF) determine the occurrence of major chronic diseases. To reduce mortality rates, it is necessary to change the population’s risk profile to reduce the prevalence of RF.

Goal. To identify the health effects of major non-communicable diseases in Russia by monitoring risk factors.

Оbjectives:
1. Determine the structure and weight of risk factors for noncommunicable diseases.
2. Study systems for monitoring the risk factors of non-communicable diseases.
3. Analyse international and domestic experiences in the prevention of major non-communicable diseases. 

Material and methods. Statistical compilations by Rosstat, Ministry of Health of Russia. Medline database was used to find some sources.

Results. The creation of an evidence-based health policy and strategy is based on a well-organized, reliable information system. Monitoring the NCD RF by regularly examining representative samples using standard methods is critical for such a system. Regular assessment of the population’s risk profile allows tracking the dynamics of health indicators and predicting mortality rates. Monitoring RF can assess the effectiveness of health care and population-based prevention programs in the regions and the country as a whole.

Conclusions. In addition to the influence of lifestyle and the physical and social environment, the health of the population depends on many components: the principles of the organization of the health system, it’s financing, and, to a large extent, on the standard of living of the population, income and their distribution in society. On this basis, health problems associated with various socio-economic, environmental and other living conditions of the population should be addressed jointly by many sectors and departments by creating a supportive physical and social environment for a healthy lifestyle of the population.