Risk factors for chronic non-communicable diseases: a follow-up model.

Abstract

Chronic non-communicable diseases are caused by interaction between numerous environmental and socio-economic factors and biological response of the human body. They are gaining importance due to the fact that they largely depend on common risk factors, of which more than 70% can be prevented. In 1996, an integrated health prevention program for chronic non-communicable disease based on the Aims of the World Health Organization "Health for all in the 21st century" was designed in the Republic of Serbia. This program concerns the whole population and measures for its implementation. For its successful realization it is necessary to define standard procedures: uniform terminology, diagnostics, therapy and rehabilitation, its risk factors. The aim of this study was to establish data from basic medical documentation of the primary health care and propose a more efficient and effective evidence, as well as to establish a program for surveillance, prevention and control of mass non-communicable diseases within the existing medical documentation. The data were gathered from medical records of the general practice and occupational health services. A special questionnaire was designed to register data from medical records. Medical records of general practice and occupational health service in Kikinda have been analyzed. The existing medical documentation is insufficient regarding data necessary for evidence, surveillance and analysis of risk factors for chronic non-communicable diseases. A follow-up model for surveillance and evidence of risk factors in basic medical documentation, which should be incorporated in routine statistical reports, would actively include medical professionals--doctors and medical staff in prevention and detection of risk factors.