Prevalence Of Chronic Non-communicable Diseases Research Articles

Non-Communicable Chronic Diseases Among Residents of a Remote Settlement in the Transbaikal Region of the Russian Federation.

IntroductionOver a quarter of the population of the Russian Federation resides in rural communities. However, the data on chronic disease rates in these communities are limited, which makes screening for chronic diseases extremely important. The aim of this study was to measure the prevalence of chronic noncommunicable diseases among residents of a remote settlement in the Transbaikal region, Russian Federation.MethodsA sample of residents from the Transbaikal region settlement was screened in August 2017. The screening included a survey to determine the frequency of self-reported chronic diseases as well as sociodemographic and behavioral risk factors. Additionally, vascular stiffness was measured by volumetric sphygmography using the VaSera-1500 device. Descriptive statistics have been used for data analysis.Results126 residents were screened for this study. The prevalence of chronic non-communicable diseases and their risk factors were: hypertension (56.3%), gastrointestinal diseases (33.3%), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (13.5%), smoking (35.7%), obesity (19.1%), and diabetes mellitus (6.3%). Pathological vascular changes typical of atherosclerosis were found by volumetric sphygmography in 17.5% of cases, with 5.5% of those cases corresponding to significant forms of severe peripheral atherosclerosis (ABI<0.9). An analysis of mortality causes for this settlement for 2016–2017 found that cardiovascular diseases accounted for over 50% of the total number of deaths.ConclusionThis study showed a high prevalence of detectable chronic non-communicable diseases and their associated risk factors. Cardiovascular diseases were the main cause of mortality. Active prevention programs and screenings are required to reduce the burden of chronic diseases in this region.

Tejido adiposo: ¿simple reservorio energético?

La obesidad y el sobrepeso constituyen un problema de salud que ocasiona daños en el organismo, afectando la esperanza y calidad de vida de quienes la padecen.Se realiza una revisión bibliográfica orientada a los diferentes compuestos biológicos sintetizados en el tejido adiposo, denominados adipocinas, detallando las funciones de las principales sustancias que inciden en la prevalencia de enfermedades crónicas no transmisibles, como la diabetes mellitus 2 y el síndrome metabólico.&#x0D; &#x0D;

"Mendelian Randomization" Approach in Economic Assessment of Health Conditions.

The increased prevalence of non-communicable chronic diseases (NCDs) is reflected in the rising economic burden of health conditions. Observational studies conducted in health economics research are detecting associations of NCDs or related risk factors with economic measures like health insurance, economic inequalities, accessibility of jobs, education, annual income, health expenditure, etc. The inferences of such relationships do not prove causation and are limited to associations which are many times influenced by confounding factors and reverse causation. Mendelian randomization (MR) approach is a useful method for exploring causal relations between modifiable risk factors and measures of health economics. The application of MR in economic assessment of health conditions has been started and is producing fruitful results.

Does interindividual variability of saliva affect the release and metabolization of aroma compounds ex vivo? The particular case of elderly suffering or not from hyposalivation.

The aim of this work was to study the effects of interindividual variability of human elderly saliva on aroma release and metabolization by ex vivo approaches. Thirty individuals suffering or not from hyposalivation were selected from a panel formed by 110 elderly people (aged >65 years old) that were matched by age and sex. Then, their stimulated saliva samples were independently incubated in presence of three aroma compounds (ethyl hexanoate, octanal, 2-nonanone) to perform headspace-gas chromatography and liquid/liquid extraction-gas chromatography mass spectrometry analyses. These assays revealed that the extent of saliva effect on the release and metabolization of aroma compounds was highly dependent on the chemical family of the compounds (octanal>ethyl hexanoate>2-nonanone). Moreover, salivas from the hyposalivator (HPS) group exerted a significant lower release and/or higher metabolization than those of the control group for the three assayed compounds. Regarding the biochemical characterization of the saliva samples, no significant differences were found in the total protein content between the two groups. This does not preclude the involvement of specific proteins on the observed results that need to be clarified in further experiments. Saliva from the HPS group presented a significantly higher total antioxidant capacity than that of the control group, which suggests that this parameter could be related to the metabolization of aroma compounds by saliva. Such effects might alter aroma perception in individuals suffering from hyposalivation. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: The world population is getting older so fast that most countries are not prepared to handle this demographic challenge, characterized by an increasing prevalence of noncommunicable chronic diseases (e.g., diabetes, gastrointestinal disorders) associated to inadequate eating patterns. Thus, supporting a balanced diet is one of the most cost-effective strategies to maintain a good quality of life. A suitable diet needs to take into account both, specific sensory and nutritional individual needs. However, aging is often accompanied by deterioration in oral health (e.g., low salivary secretions), which could alter the capacities to taste and smell. Results from this work contribute to a better understanding of the role of human saliva in aroma release and metabolization, a first step to comprehend retronasal aroma release and perception. This knowledge will help to propose innovative solutions for the reformulation of food products better adapted to the elderly's needs, thus allowing delayed onset of dependency.

Perceptions of traditional Chinese medicine for chronic disease care and prevention: a cross-sectional study of Chinese hospital-based health care professionals

BackgroundIn China, demands for disease prevention and health care and the prevalence of chronic non-communicable diseases have increased. TCM and general hospitals are increasingly utilizing TCM strategies for chronic non-communicable disease care and prevention. This study aimed to investigate health care professionals’ (HCPs’) perceptions of TCM for prevention, their TCM knowledge, and their abilities to provide such services in TCM and general hospitals.MethodsThis cross-sectional study investigated Chinese medicine hospitals and Chinese medicine departments in general hospitals in five Chinese cities. A self-designed questionnaire used to study 400 HCPs focused on basic demographic data, the demand for and effects of TCM for prevention and treatment, and their perceptions of such service implementation. The data analysis included chi-squared tests and descriptive and multi-factor analyses.ResultsThe 335 HCP respondents comprised 230 (68.7%) females and 105 (31.3%) males, 75.5% of whom overall had knowledge of TCM preventive and health care services. Respondents older than 40 years (28.6%) had greater knowledge of and satisfaction with TCM for preventive and health care services than younger respondents. Moreover, 97.7% of the older respondents were clearly willing to provide TCM preventive services for chronic diseases, 67.8% of whom indicated that their hospitals already provided TCM for prevention and treatment. According to the chi-squared test results, the TCM service characteristics in hospitals, hospital outlooks regarding TCM and TCM development in hospitals were the primary factors affecting the respondents’ perceptions of TCM for chronic disease care and prevention. The multivariate analysis showed high satisfaction as significantly associated with older providers and those with lengthier work experience, particularly among those who worked in hospitals that provided typical TCM services and had positive attitudes towards TCM.ConclusionThe study HCPs had relatively satisfactory knowledge of and positive attitudes towards TCM for chronic disease care and prevention and would use it in practice. Their perceptions and satisfaction levels correlated closely with the successful application of TCM for preventive care and treatment in hospitals. While the use of TCM for prevention and treatment was well developed in some hospitals, further improvements are warranted.

Determinants of Quality of Life of Elderly Patients Attending a General Practice Clinic in Southwest Nigeria.

Aging is associated with change in health status and decreasing functional capacity affecting the general well-being of individuals with increase in the prevalence of chronic noncommunicable diseases. This study aimed to assess the quality of life (QoL) and its determinants in elderly patients attending a general practice clinic in Southwest Nigeria. Descriptive cross-sectional study of consenting elderly patients completed an interviewer-administered questionnaire on QoL and its determinants. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential analysis. Logistic regression was done to identify predictors of QoL. A total of 216 older adults were interviewed. Only 25% had good QoL with majority having multiple morbidities which was associated with poorer QoL. Predictors of QoL were family support (odds ratio = 0.249, 95% confidence interval [0.079, 0.850], p = .026) and socioeconomic class (odds ratio = 3.66, 95% confidence interval [1.47, 7.87], p = .004) of the respondents. QoL was found to be poor among the study population and worst in those with multiple morbidities. There is a need for policy direction to advocate for preventive strategies for risk of chronic diseases as well as provide better access to primary care through National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS).

Doenças crônicas não transmissíveis e os fatores de risco em mulheres de Guaporé (RS)

Objetivo: Avaliar a prevalência de doenças crônicas não transmissíveis e sua associação com fatores de risco em mulheres de Guaporé (RS). Materiais eMétodos: Estudo transversal, realizado na microárea 23, durante os meses de maio e junho de 2016, com 165 mulheres. Dados coletados referentes à prevalência de doenças crônicas não transmissíveis (Diabetes Mellitus, Hipertensão Arterial e Dislipidemias) e medicamentação autorreferida, tabagismo, consumo de bebidas alcoólicas, atividade física, índice de massa corporal, circunferência da cintura e consumo alimentar. A análise estatística foi realizada através do programa Statistical Package for the Social Sciences. Os testes foram t-student para as médias, teste qui-quadrado de Pearson para associações e teste qui-quadrado para variáveis ordinais, sendo o nível de significância de 5%.Resultados: Avaliaram-se 165 mulheres, das quais 29,1% possuíam ≥60 anos, 69,7% eram casadas ou moravam com companheiro, 44,8% possuíam ≥13 anos de escolaridade, 83,6% possuíam renda de 1-2 salários mínimos. Verificou-se que o índice de massa corporal foi 27,8±5,6 kg/m², encontrando-se em sobrepeso. A circunferência da cintura foi 98,9±13,9 cm, classificando-se em risco. Ao associar os fatores de risco consumo alimentar, atividade física, tabagismo, bebidas alcóolicas, não se encontrou associação significativa. No entanto encontrou-se maior prevalência de doenças crônicas não transmissíveis em mulheres com maior faixa etária, de menor escolaridade e renda, viúvas, com circunferência da cintura elevada e índice de massa corporal de sobrepeso. Constatou-se a presença de doenças crônicas não transmissíveis em 38,2% das mulheres.Conclusão: A prevalência de doenças crônicas não transmissíveis associou-se com alguns dos fatores de risco estudados, desses o estado civil entre as viúvas, menor escolaridade, menor renda, com baixa ingestão de álcool e risco mais elevado para complicações metabólicas, conforme circunferência da cintura.

RESPONSIBLE SELF-CARE – THE FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES AND PLACE IN THE MODERN RUSSIAN HEALTHCARE SYSTEM

An increase in the prevalence of chronic noncommunicable diseases is a significant problem for both patients and the health system. According to the World Health Organization Promoting effective ... is essential to reduce the financial burden on health systems. The term responsible self-care means self-help and self-care. The concept of is to create conditions and prerequisites for forming a attitude to own health, children's and family's health by maintaining a healthy lifestyle, wider and more competent use of over-the-counter medication for the prevention or of the trifling ailment and chronic non-communicable diseases, continuing the therapy prescribed by the doctor. Changes in the legislative framework, coordinated activity of medical workers of various levels and specialties, as well as improvement of medical literacy of the population are necessary for the implementation of the practice of in Russia. Promotion of healthy lifestyles and the personal responsibility of people for their health in the media and Internet resources, self-monitoring of the status and basic health indicators, increasing adherence of patients to prescribed medicines for the treatment of chronic diseases based on gained medical know-ledge, skills and habits are the most applicable measures for Russia to date.

GCAT|Genomes for life: a prospective cohort study of the genomes of Catalonia

PurposeThe prevalence of chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs) is increasing worldwide. NCDs are the leading cause of both morbidity and mortality, and it is estimated that by 2030, they will be...

Gender and schooling inequalities in risk and protective factors for chronic diseases among Brazilian adults.

There is consistent evidence showing that low socioeconomic level, both at the individual and contextual levels, is an important predictor of morbidity and mortality due to noncommunicable diseases. To identify gender and schooling inequalities in the distribution of risk and protective factors for chronic diseases among Brazilian adults. This study included data from 97 468 individuals interviewed in 2012 and 2013 from the Surveillance System of Risk and Protective Factors for Chronic Diseases (VIGITEL). Age-adjusted prevalence ratios at different schooling levels were calculated using Poisson regression. Tobacco use, alcohol abuse and the consumption of meat with visible fat were more frequent among men, while the medical diagnosis of diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure and dyslipidaemia was more frequent among women. In both genders, the highest level of education was associated with a lower prevalence of tobacco use, excessive consumption of soft drinks and excessive TV time, as well as increased alcohol abuse. The results of this study represent a challenge for public health policies in Brazil, since sociodemographic inequalities reflect differences in the prevalence of risk factors and, consequently, in the prevalence of chronic noncommunicable diseases.

How effective are family-based and institutional nutrition interventions in improving children\u2019s diet and health? A systematic review

BackgroundEffective strategies to improve dietary intake in young children are a priority to reduce the high prevalence of chronic non-communicable diseases in adulthood. This study aimed to assess the impact of family-based and school/preschool nutrition programs on the health of children aged 12 or younger, including the sustainability of these impacts and the relevance to socio-economic inequalities.MethodsA systematic review of literature published from 1980 to December 2014 was undertaken. Randomised controlled trials involving families with children aged up to 12 years in high income countries were included. The primary outcomes were dietary intake and health status. Results were presented in a narrative synthesis due to the heterogeneity of the interventions and outcomes.ResultsThe systematic search and assessment identified 39 eligible studies. 82% of these studies were set in school/preschools. Only one school study assessed the impact of involving parents systematically. The family-based programs which provided simple positive dietary advice to parents and regular follow-up reduced fat intake significantly. School and family-based studies, if designed and implemented well, increased F&V intake, particularly fruit. Effective school-based programs have incorporated role-models including peers, teachers and heroic figures, rewards and increased access to healthy foods. School nutrition programs in disadvantaged communities were as effective as programs in other communities.ConclusionsFamily and school nutrition programs can improve dietary intake, however evidence of the long-term sustainability of these impacts is limited. The modest overall impact of even these successful programs suggest complementary nutrition interventions are needed to build a supportive environment for healthy eating generally.

HEALTH-RELATED QUALITY OF LIFE AMONG DISPENSARY OBSERVATION PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC ILLNESS IN BULGARIA

Introduction: The prevalence of chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs) worldwide acquires epidemic dimensions. In Europe, five nosological groups (diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease, cancer, chronic respiratory diseases and mental disabilities) constitute 77% of NCDs and cause about 86% of deaths in the region.Objectives: This study aimed to assess the quality of life in patients with chronic non-communicable diseases under dispensary observation.Methods: The pilot cross-sectional study was performed among adult with chronic diseases in primary care practices in the Plovdiv district (the second largest in Bulgaria) from May to June 2013.Results: A total of 200 adults with chronic diseases participated in the study. The mean age was 55.6 years (range 25–95, standard deviation (SD) 16.9). The most common chronic diseases in our study were cardiovascular 51% (ischemic heart disease, hypertension, etc.), followed by endocrinology diseases (23%). There was statistically significant differences in the assessments of "general health" in different groups of participants by gender (χ2 = 16.65, P &lt;0.002), age (χ2 = 12.57, P &lt;0.05) and social status (χ2 = 28.54, P &lt;0.0001).Conclusion: The subjective assessment of health is a factor that has a strong impact on the quality of life of patients and is an important component in evaluating the effectiveness of provided health care for patients with chronic non-communicable diseases.

Socioeconomic status and prevalence of chronic non-communicable diseases in Chinese women: a structural equation modelling approach

ObjectiveTo investigate the role of socioeconomic status (SES) in chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and offer theoretical evidence for the prevention and control of NCDs.DesignCross-sectional survey and structural equation modelling.SettingNationwide, China.ParticipantsFemale...

Diabetic Foot Disease in Oman: A Call for More Research.

The prevalence of chronic non-communicable diseases in Oman has been accompanied by recent rapid economic growth and changes in lifestyle choices.1 Diabetes is a growing public health challenge in Oman.1,2 Its prevalence has continued to increase over the past two decades.2 Due to this alarming trend, diabetes is currently considered a priority health problem by the Ministry of Health (MoH).2 Unless this upward trend is curbed, the prevalence of diabetes-related complications, including diabetic foot disease (DFD), is expected to rise. DFD is defined as a syndrome in which peripheral neuropathy and peripheral vascular disease may result in foot ulceration, infection, deformity, and/or lower limb amputation in patients with diabetes.3 It is one of the most debilitating and costly complications of diabetes, with a lifetime prevalence of up to 25%.3,4 Moreover, around 40–60% of all non-traumatic lower limb amputations are attributed to DFD.4 In Oman, amputation data from the MoH indicate that diabetes is responsible for about 47% of all lower limb amputations.5 Given the significance and magnitude of the problem, a number of regional diabetic foot care initiatives has been established. The Gulf Diabetic Foot Working Group (GDFWG) was founded in December 2012 by a group of multidisciplinary healthcare professionals involved in the prevention and management of DFD in the Gulf.6 It aims to improve the overall quality of diabetic foot care delivery in the region. Furthermore, the group holds an annual conference (the Gulf Diabetic Foot Conference, now in its third year) where knowledge and expertise is exchanged, and local and international diabetic foot research is presented.6 Another initiative was the launch of the Diabetic Foot Journal Middle East, a platform for disseminating locally conducted scholarly diabetic foot research.6 On a global scale, progress in diabetic foot care has been made through decades of research and international collaboration. The number of articles, published in peer-reviewed journals and indexed in MEDLINE®, on the epidemiology, pathogenesis, and management of DFD has increased over the past few decades [Figure 1]. By far, most of the volume of scholarly research on DFD comes from non-Arab countries.7 Open in a separate window Figure 1 Increasing numbers of diabetic foot-related articles, as indexed by MEDLINE®, are appearing in the literature.

Early readmission in a high complexity public hospital in cardiology

Objective: to evaluate the early readmission of patients in a high complexity public hospital in cardiology. Methods: this is a descriptive, documental and retrospective study, carried out in a public hospital. Results: in 2012, 729 of the 9,218 hospitalized patients were readmitted, 47.9% of them were readmitted within 30 days after discharge, 61% were men, with a mean age of 57 years old, with the main medical diagnosis of heart disease (heart failure, treatment of acute coronary syndrome, among others) on admission (44.7%) and readmission (45.8%). Most were readmitted for the same medical reason that led to their first hospitalization. Conclusion: considering the profile of the population admitted and readmitted to the institution, it is believed that the rate of readmission is mainly due to the profile of the patients, considering the high prevalence of non-communicable chronic diseases, and coronary artery disease considered unapproachable for percutaneous or surgical when hospitalized.

Factors associated with mobility of the oldest old

Abstract Introduction: Several factors can be associated to the reduction of mobility among the elderly. Early identification of these factors is crucial, since it may lead to prevention of functional dependencies. Objective: To analyze the association between mobility, sociodemographic factors and the prevalence of noncommunicable chronic diseases (NCDs) in oldest old. Methods: The sample consisted of 120 elderly persons aged (80 and 95 years), with 76 of them being women (83 ± 3 years) and 44 of them men (83 ± 3 years). Sociodemographic factors and NCDs which we studied were: age, gender, marital status, education, nutritional status, ethnicity, hypertension, diabetes and osteoarticular diseases. Mobility was analyzed using a battery of Physical Performance Tests. For statistical analysis we used the chi-square test and binary logistic regression to examine the relationship between sociodemographic factors, NCDs and mobility. SPSS (17.0) software was used for this and the significance level was set at 5%. Results: Level of education (p ≤ 0.001) and age (p = 0.034) are the two factors related to low mobility. However, the model built by multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that age is independently related to limited mobility in oldest old people (OR 3.29; 95% CI 1.09 to 9.87). Conclusion: Thus, oldest old &gt;85 years are at a greater risk of decreased mobility independent of their education, marital and nutritional statuses and gender. We encourage further studies in this area. Studies which will not only address those facts considered in this study but that also examine family-related aspects, especially using longitudinal studies.

General profile of the nutrition surplus in Mexico from 1990-2013: An approach using the energy supplied by macronutrients and food groups

This text analyzes the evolution of the excessive food energy supply in Mexico from 1990 to 2013. For each year, the energy and macronutrient requirements of the Mexican population were estimated and contrasted with the per capita energy supply. Discrepancies between requirement and supply were analyzed as a time series. The energy surplus ranged from 700 to 800 kcal per capita per day throughout the studied period and sugar/sweeteners contributed the highest above-requirement energy supply. Lipids excess increased steadily and intensely, mainly due to lipid increases from poultry and pork. Excess energy from alcoholic beverages tended to be concentrated into growing beer consumption. In summary, the energy supply and the corresponding surplus tended to be made up mainly of sugar/sweeteners and meat. This has direct implications for the prevalence of chronic non-communicable diseases as well as unsustainable use of land, water and energy.

The Financial Burden of Non-Communicable Chronic Diseases in Rural Nigeria: Wealth and Gender Heterogeneity in Health Care Utilization and Health Expenditures.

ObjectivesBetter insights into health care utilization and out-of-pocket expenditures for non-communicable chronic diseases (NCCD) are needed to develop accessible health care and limit the increasing financial burden of NCCDs in Sub-Saharan Africa.MethodsA household survey was conducted in rural Kwara State, Nigeria, among 5,761 individuals. Data were obtained using biomedical and socio-economic questionnaires. Health care utilization, NCCD-related health expenditures and distances to health care providers were compared by sex and by wealth quintile, and a Heckman regression model was used to estimate health expenditures taking selection bias in health care utilization into account.ResultsThe prevalence of NCCDs in our sample was 6.2%. NCCD-affected individuals from the wealthiest quintile utilized formal health care nearly twice as often as those from the lowest quintile (87.8% vs 46.2%, p = 0.002). Women reported foregone formal care more often than men (43.5% vs. 27.0%, p = 0.058). Health expenditures relative to annual consumption of the poorest quintile exceeded those of the highest quintile 2.2-fold, and the poorest quintile exhibited a higher rate of catastrophic health spending (10.8% among NCCD-affected households) than the three upper quintiles (4.2% to 6.7%). Long travel distances to the nearest provider, highest for the poorest quintile, were a significant deterrent to seeking care. Using distance to the nearest facility as instrument to account for selection into health care utilization, we estimated out-of-pocket health care expenditures for NCCDs to be significantly higher in the lowest wealth quintile compared to the three upper quintiles.ConclusionsFacing potentially high health care costs and poor accessibility of health care facilities, many individuals suffering from NCCDs—particularly women and the poor—forego formal care, thereby increasing the risk of more severe illness in the future. When seeking care, the poor spend less on treatment than the rich, suggestive of lower quality care, while their expenditures represent a higher share of their annual household consumption. This calls for targeted interventions that enhance health care accessibility and provide financial protection from the consequences of NCCDs, especially for vulnerable populations.

Profile of lifestyle of older elderly persons

Abstract Introduction: Lifestyle has been widely studied in recent years, especially in the context of longevity and aging well. Objective: The aim of this study was to analyze the lifestyle profile of older elderly persons and the relationship between lifestyle and chronic diseases. Method: A cross-sectional study evaluating 132 older persons aged over 74.6 years, who were resident of the Capão Redondo district of São Paulo, was carried out. The study was conducted in 23 institutions such as churches, community centers, parks, nursing homes and residences. All participants completed two questionnaires, with the first based on lifestyle and the second on socio-economic classification, and also answered some questions about the presence and control of non-communicable chronic diseases (NCDs). Result: the mean age was 78.8(±4.5) years and the respondents had a mean BMI of 25.5(±5.5). Most were women from social classes C and D. A total of 46 were former smokers, seven were smokers, and 82 had NCDs, with heart diseases the most prevalent. The mean lifestyle questionnaire score was 30.2(±3.5). There was no statistical difference in scores between those with NCDs and those that did not suffer from such diseases. The physical activity component had the lowest score, followed by the nutrition component. The prevalence of NCDs was significantly higher for smokers and former smokers than for those who had never smoked. Conclusion: The majority of older persons demonstrated an excellent lifestyle with healthy habits. Even those with a diagnosed NCD had a good lifestyle. Cardiovascular diseases were the most prevalent in this population. The risk of NCD was greater for smokers and former smokers than for those who had never smoked.

The burden of chronic noncommunicable diseases in undocumented migrants: a 1-year survey of drugs dispensation by a non–governmental organization in Italy

ObjectivesThis study was carried out with two objectives. The first one was to have an insight into the prevalence of chronic noncommunicable diseases (CNCD) in undocumented migrants, and the second one was to evaluate if differences existed among different ethnic groups. Study designThe study is based on the collection of data on drug dispensation by a non–governmental organization (NGO) providing free medical assistance to undocumented migrants in Milan, Italy. All the prescriptions to adult subjects from January 1 to December 31 2014 (total 8438) were recorded and analyzed. All the data available for the patients receiving prescriptions (age, gender and country of birth) were also collected in anonymous form. Ethical approval for the study was given by the Ethics Committee of the NGO. MethodsDrugs were grouped according to the anatomical therapeutic chemical (ATC) classification and their quantities expressed as daily defined doses (DDDs)/1000 patients/day. The 56 ATC levels were divided into three groups according to their use for acute, chronic, or both acute and chronic diseases. The statistical analysis of drug dispensation was performed for the whole population and for the five ethnic groups into which it had been divided. ResultsPrescription of medicines for chronic conditions was significantly greater than for acute (154.2 ± 45.9 vs 51.3 ± 18.4 DDD/1000 patients/day, P < 0.02) and for both acute and chronic conditions (57.9 ± 12.8 DDD/1000 patients/day, P < 0.02). Five ATC classes accounted for 60% of all chronic prescriptions. They were differently distributed among the five ethnic groups (e.g., Asians required more antihypertensives and antidiabetics, East Europeans required more lipid modifying drugs, antihypertensives and antithrombotics). ConclusionsOur data show an important use of medicines for chronic diseases in a population of undocumented migrants. Though with some limitations, this could be an indicator of a high prevalence of CNCD in this population, with significant differences among different ethnic groups. This situation should be considered when planning health interventions, also in consideration of the fact that it could have an impact on European Health Services in a short time.