Prevalence of non-communicable diseases and their risk factors in Papua New Guinea: A systematic review

Abstract

Introduction: The mortality associated with non-communicable diseases has increased significantly in most countries in the World Health Organization Western Pacific Region over the last 20 years, as have the underlying risk factors. This study aimed to collate evidence on the prevalence of four major non-communicable diseases and their risk factors in Papua New Guinea in order to inform appropriate policy for their prevention and management. Methods: We performed a systematic review of Papua New Guinea-based population prevalence studies of cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes mellitus, chronic respiratory diseases, and cancers, as well as non-communicable disease risk factors published before 2016. Five online databases were searched and screened against eligibility criteria according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Results: A total of 57 articles were included in this review, most of which (n = 48) were published prior to 2000. Eleven articles reported on diabetes, six reported on chronic lung disease/asthma, two reported on cardiovascular diseases, and two reported cancer as the primary outcome, while the remaining 36 papers reported non-communicable disease risk factors. Conclusion: This review demonstrated variations in the prevalence of non-communicable diseases (0%–19%) and their risk factors (0%–80.6%) attributed to the lifestyle and genetic diversity of the Papua New Guinea population. There is a strong suggestion that the prevalence of non-communicable diseases (particularly type 2 diabetes mellitus) and key non-communicable disease risk factors (hypertension, overweight, and obesity) has increased, but there is a lack of recent data. As such, there is an urgent need for new and up-to-date data in all areas of Papua New Guinea.

Predictors of unfavourable treatment outcome in patients diagnosed with drug-resistant tuberculosis in the Torres Strait / Papua New Guinea border region

“…Efforts to increase collaboration between renal and TB units in the Torres Strait may help reduce diagnostic delay and better support shared patients. Many studies have reported high rates of mortality in TB patients with comorbidities (47, 50-52) and in patients with low levels of haemoglobin, albumin and lymphocytes (53).…”

“…Patients with TB and coinfection / comorbidities such as renal impairment, diabetes and HIV are more likely to have poor outcomes (18)(19)(20). Many studies have reported high rates of mortality in TB patients with comorbidities (21)(22)(23)(24) and in patients with low levels of haemoglobin, albumin and lymphocytes (25) While the rise in DR-TB is a global concern, TB programs must consider specific local risk factors and programmatic gaps to ensure better outcomes for patients. These considerations may present important opportunities for TB programmes to meet the challenging targets of the WHO to End TB, aiming to reduce the incidence of TB by 90% before 2035 (26) Little is known about predictors of treatment outcomes in patients diagnosed with DR-TB in the Torres Strait / PNG border region.…”

“…Patients with TB and coinfection / comorbidities such as renal impairment, diabetes and HIV are more likely to have poor outcomes (18-20). Many studies have reported high rates of mortality in TB patients with comorbidities (21-24) and in patients with low levels of haemoglobin, albumin and lymphocytes (25)…”

Predictors of unfavourable treatment outcome in patients diagnosed with drug-resistant tuberculosis in the Torres Strait / Papua New Guinea border region

“…Efforts to increase collaboration between renal and TB units in the Torres Strait may help reduce diagnostic delay and better support shared patients. Many studies have reported high rates of mortality in TB patients with comorbidities [47,[50][51][52] and in patients with low levels of haemoglobin, albumin and lymphocytes [53].…”

Combating Non- Communicable Disease Among HCW: The Broken Soldiers

“…The majority of these deaths occur in low-and middle-income nations (LMICs). Due to rapid urbanisation, sedentary lifestyles, and the availability of increasingly nutrient-poor processed foods, the prevalence of noncommunicable diseases is rising in these nations (Rarau et al, 2020).…”