Socioeconomic Determinants of Non-Communicable Diseases: Implications for Public Health Policies
Keywords:
Socioeconomic determinants, non-communicable diseases, public health policies, health disparities, healthcare access, lifestyle risk factors, universal healthcare, health literacy, urban planning, social inequalityAbstract
Non-communicable diseases (NCDs), including cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, chronic respiratory conditions, and cancer, have become leading global health concerns, disproportionately affecting socioeconomically disadvantaged populations. Socioeconomic determinants such as income level, education, occupation, and access to healthcare significantly influence the prevalence and outcomes of NCDs (Marmot, 2005). Limited financial resources often result in restricted access to nutritious food, healthcare services, and health education, increasing vulnerability to lifestyle-related risk factors such as poor diet, physical inactivity, and tobacco use (Braveman & Gottlieb, 2014). Additionally, disparities in healthcare infrastructure and social support further exacerbate health inequities, leading to higher morbidity and mortality rates among lower-income groups (WHO, 2019).
