The Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation reported that the topography of disease-related deaths has changed over many generations, and that different diseases, both communicable and noncommunicable, are starting to effect communities differently. Specifically, the researchers identify that the typical life expectancy has increased on a global scale, which means there are now different, previously unknown risks and causes of illness due to aging populations. Of specific interest the researchers mention that the “leading causes of death and disability have changed from communicable diseases in children to noncommunicable diseases in adults” (IME, 2013). The United States and other developed and industrialized nations have seen a stark reduction in maternal, nutritional, and premature child deaths. Third-world or underdeveloped nations, however, have seen a spike in communicable, maternal, nutritional and child related diseases. The Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation implemented the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) study to systematically address health concerns related to a number of demographic characteristics. The GBD 2010 study found an increased life expectancy of 35 years since 1970 for many industrialized nations, but negligible improvement in life expectancy in developing nations such as sub-Saharan Africa.
As part of this exercise, check out the 2013 information at: http://www.healthdata.org/sites/default/files/files/policy_report/2013/ GBD_GeneratingEvidence/IHME_GBD_GeneratingEvidence_FullReport.pdf, then prepare answers to the questions that follow.
Retrieved from: http://www.healthdata.org/sites/default/files/files/policy_report/2013/ GBD_GeneratingEvidence/IHME_GBD_GeneratingEvidence_FullReport.pdf Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation. The Global Burden of Disease: Generating Evidence, Guiding Policy. Seattle, WA: IHME.