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Research predicts substantial increase in chronic diseases within ten years

Large numbers of adults across the island live with hypertension, stroke, diabetes, angina and heart attack. Adults living in more deprived areas are more likely to be living with a chronic condition. Reductions in harm and greater health benefits can be achieved by influencing policies of the non-health sector rather than by health policies alone

Research published today by the Institute of Public Health, which is part funded by the HRB, shows that large numbers of adults across the island live with hypertension, stroke, diabetes, angina and heart attack. These numbers are expected to rise substantially (40%) in the next ten years.

Chronic conditions are responsible for a significant proportion of early deaths. They reduce quality of life, they represent substantial costs to patients and the health care system, and they cause significant loss of productivity to the economy.

The expected rise is due to factors such as an ageing population and lifestyle risk factors, like obesity, becoming more common.

Chronic conditions also occur more frequently among the poor and vulnerable. A range of interrelated factors including social determinants of heath, such as poverty, unemployment, and the environment, namely smoking, alcohol consumption, diet and physical activity are established risk factors.

The report recommends a review of key government policies with a stronger focus on prevention, tackling inequality, and building appropriate information systems to support these efforts.

More information is available from the IPH press release at the link below. The full report is also available from that link.