The Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation reported thatthe topography of disease-related deaths has changed over manygenerations, and that different diseases, both communicable andnoncommunicable, are starting to effect communities differently.Specifically, the researchers identify that the typical lifeexpectancy has increased on a global scale, which means there arenow different, previously unknown risks and causes of illness dueto aging populations. Of specific interest the researchers mentionthat the “leading causes of death and disability have changed fromcommunicable diseases in children to noncommunicable diseases inadults” (IME, 2013). The United States and other developed andindustrialized nations have seen a stark reduction in maternal,nutritional, and premature child deaths. Third-world orunderdeveloped nations, however, have seen a spike in communicable,maternal, nutritional and child related diseases. The Institute forHealth Metrics and Evaluation implemented the Global Burden ofDisease (GBD) study to systematically address health concernsrelated to a number of demographic characteristics. The GBD 2010study found an increased life expectancy of 35 years since 1970 formany industrialized nations, but negligible improvement in lifeexpectancy in developing nations such as sub-Saharan Africa.

As part of this exercise, check out the 2013 information at:http://www.healthdata.org/sites/default/files/files/policy_report/2013/GBD_GeneratingEvidence/IHME_GBD_GeneratingEvidence_FullReport.pdf,then prepare answers to the questions that follow.

Question 1

Why is it important to research and understand theepidemiological transition of diseases across the world?

Question 2

What are some potential factors that may help explain the staticnature of life expectancy in areas such as the sub-Saharan Africancommunities?

Question 3

Identify and explain the factors related to the rise ofnoncommunicable diseases in industrialized nations, such as theUnited States.

Question 4

What could be a potentially helpful strategy for reducing deathsrelated to communicable diseases in poorer nations?

Retrieved from:http://www.healthdata.org/sites/default/files/files/policy_report/2013/GBD_GeneratingEvidence/IHME_GBD_GeneratingEvidence_FullReport.pdfInstitute for Health Metrics and Evaluation. The Global Burden ofDisease: Generating Evidence, Guiding Policy. Seattle, WA:IHME.