Noncommunicable Disease (NCD) Treatment, Prevention Strategies, and Risk Factors: A Philippine Situation

Abstract

Chronic diseases, which are often referred to as noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), are conditions that worsen over time gradually due to a combination of genetic, physiological, environmental, and behavioral factors. In the Philippine context, noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), which collectively include diabetes, hypertension, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, are accountable for all fatalities of Filipino people. Several articles have stated that 38.6% have been hospitalized with hypertension, 3.9 million cases of diabetes, and 27.7% of Filipinos suffered from Asthma-COPD in the Philippines. However, with these diseases indicated, there are several treatments, prevention strategies, and risk factors that have been developed throughout the years. People of all ages, living in all regions and nations are affected by NCDs. Poor diet, inactivity, exposure to tobacco smoke, problematic alcohol use, environmental factors (including air pollution), and other risk factors for NCDs can affect children, adults, and seniors. Finding and treating these problems is essential for controlling NCDs. The economy of countries, especially those with low and moderate incomes, are significantly impacted by the co-occurrence of health burdens in populations going through transition, particularly in certain socioeconomic and cultural contexts. Methods, programs, and regulatory policies significantly relevant to NCDs in the Philippines are reviewed in the article. The paper also discusses facilitating factors that contribute to the NCDs situation in the country, which may become matters of interest in developing and updating the NCDs management approach of the healthcare system. This review aims to focus on and understand the different treatment, prevention strategies, and risk factors of NCD across the Philippines.