Risk factors and non-communicable disease diagnosis in China

Abstract

The rise of non-communicable diseases has placed enormous stress on health systems leading to calls for improved prevention. This article examines the association of risk factors and non-communicable disease diagnosis in China using longitudinal data which enables us to control for important simultaneity bias. Using three waves of the China Family Panel Studies (CFPS) survey (2010–2014) and a dynamic model conditional on not having an NCD in the first period, we find positive association of being obese, using solid cooking fuels, history of frequent drinking, and household consumption expenditure during the preceding period on non-communicable disease onset. We find significant heterogeneity in risks across the population suggesting that a targeted policy response is required to reduce the burden of non-communicable disease in China.