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| REVIEW ARTICLE- PLENARY SESSION |
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| Year : 2017 | Volume
: 2
| Issue : 4 | Page : 107-112 |
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Global research priorities for noncommunicable diseases prevention, management, and control
Atul Sharma Rapporteur
School of Public Health, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| Date of Web Publication | 22-Feb-2018 |
Correspondence Address:
Atul Sharma
School of Public Health, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh - 160 012
India
 Source of Support: None, Conflict of Interest: None  | Check |
DOI: 10.4103/jncd.jncd_57_17
Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) are the major cause of global mortality, contributing to more than 63% of all-cause mortality. The burden is expected to escalate further, as the impact of NCDs increases, and as population ages. Limited research is being conducted on NCDs in developing countries because of lack of sufficient resources. This article attempts to identify urgent global research priorities for NCDs prevention, management, and control. A literature review was performed in October 2017 to identify published literature discussing research priorities in NCDs. Findings were supplemented with the key themes emerging from a panel discussion on the topic at 1st World NCD Congress. Results reveal that different researchers and organizations have employed different criteria for setting priorities for investing in NCD-related research and development. Different methodologies for identifications of research priorities have also been adopted, most of which include a mixed method approach, with more reliance on qualitative research methods. For most of the NCDs, country-specific information on extent and patterns of disease and its social impact needs to be identified. Health system-related opportunities related to application of primary and secondary care cost-effective interventions need to be identified and explored. Studies are also required to assess gaps in accessibility and affordability of essential medicines and technologies required for treatment of NCDs. Research to identify effective strategies for improvement of data collection mechanisms for NCD incidence and prevalence is required. The study concludes that multidisciplinary research approaches need to be followed to better elucidate the influence of sociodemographic and economic factors on NCD prevention and control, to enhance availability and accessibility of cost-effective interventions to lower socioeconomic strata, and to increase the uptake of evidence-based research for policy development by policymakers.
Keywords: Chronic diseases, noncommunicable diseases, research priorities
How to cite this article:
Sharma A. Global research priorities for noncommunicable diseases prevention, management, and control. Int J Non-Commun Dis 2017;2:107-12 |
How to cite this URL:
Sharma A. Global research priorities for noncommunicable diseases prevention, management, and control. Int J Non-Commun Dis [serial online] 2017 [cited 2023 Mar 31];2:107-12. Available from: https://www.ijncd.org/text.asp?2017/2/4/107/225988 |
| Introduction | |  |
The burden of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) constitutes a significant public health challenge across the globe with the potential to undermine socioeconomic development throughout the world.[1],[2],[3] NCDs are the major cause of global mortality, contributing to more than 63% of all-cause mortality.[4],[5] Global burden of disease publications report ischemic heart disease, lower respiratory infections, cerebrovascular disease, low back and neck pain, and road injuries to be the five leading morbidities contributing to disability-adjusted life years by 2013.[6],[7] These are also the major contributors of years lived with disability, especially in aging populations.[8] The burden is expected to escalate further, as the impact of NCDs increases, and as population ages. While global mortality attributable to NCDs was 60% in 1998, it is expected to reach 73% by 2020.[9] The greatest incline is expected to be seen in low- and middle-income regions, which also currently bear the highest burdens.[10],[11] The NCD epidemic also strikes disproportionately among people in lower socioeconomic groups.[12] While poverty pushes families toward adoption of unhealthy lifestyle behavior and practices leading to NCDs, they in turn, due to their chronic nature and immense socioeconomic impact, aggravate poverty.[13]
The World Health Organization (WHO) in 2000 in its global strategy for the prevention and control of NCDs provided sound vision and a clear roadmap to prevent and control NCDs and to assist countries in establishing effective programs.[9] United Nations General Assembly in 2011 adopted a political declaration acknowledging the rising burden of NCDs as a major challenge for development in low-middle income countries (LMICs). They also identified NCDs as a threat to global economy and recognized the need for engagement of all sections of society under government leadership to effectively respond to the problem.[14] The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development adopted at the United Nations Summit on Sustainable Development in September 2015, recognized NCDs as a major challenge for sustainable development. It was decided to develop national strategies to reduce premature mortality due to NCDs, strengthen responses to reduce the harmful use of alcohol and tobacco, and support the research and development of vaccines and medicines for NCDs.[15]
Though much is known about the lifestyle-related risk factors which are linked to the four major NCDs, there are still knowledge gaps that prevent sound public health action.[16],[17] It is important to strengthen research to prioritize health needs, especially in resource-constraint settings.[18] Accurate assessment of the magnitude of the problem in country-specific settings, identification of its causes and development of potential solutions, and implementation research with subsequent impact evaluation of these solutions requires application of rigorous and robust research agenda setting and methodology. Employment of health technology assessment techniques may generate further evidence in favor of solutions that are most cost-effective and least resource intensive. As the impact of NCDs such as hypertension and diabetes is essentially similar in different populations around the world, another priority research need is for operational research in the delivery of care.[19] Another crucial issue currently is the limited research being conducted on chronic NCDs in developing countries, resources for such research being severely limited.[19],[20] One way to employ research resources more efficiently is to identify existing research infrastructures established for other purposes and use them for NCD-related research.[21],[22] This again requires strengthening and orienting national health systems toward high-quality research and development for NCD prevention and control.[1] The other solution is to create awareness among policymakers regarding importance of scientific evidence, who in turn, may enhance investments to facilitate high-quality research for generation of the same, at least for priority research areas in their local context.[23],[24] Considering these research needs, the World NCD Federation (WNF) hosted a plenary session on global research priorities at the 1st World NCD Congress on November 6, 2017, in Chandigarh, India. WNF is a professional association working for global health agenda for universal health care for NCDs.[25] The plenary session was chaired by Shri Ashwini Kumar Choubey, Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Government of India and Prof Anne Kelso of National Health and Medical Research Council, Australia, while Dr. Soumya Swaminathan (Global Alliance for Chronic Diseases [GACD] Board Member), Secretary DHR and DG Indian Council of Medical Research, India was the lead speaker. Executive Director and other management committee members (from Belgium, Brazil and United Kingdom) of the GACD [26] and Director, Center for Health Equity, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health were the panelists in the session. The author in this paper highlights key global research priorities under different NCD domains, summarizing what is currently known and where are the knowledge gaps that need to be worked upon. This has been supplemented with the proceedings of discussions that took place as part of the plenary session.
| Methods | | |
A literature review was performed in October 2017 to identify existing articles and documents discussing research priorities in NCDs. Search terms were developed, and both methodological and topic literature was searched. This involved a review of research papers, published reports, and policy documents to collect information on the current global priorities.
PubMed and Google scholar databases were used to search for published literature. The search combined various terms for NCDs and research priorities and combined both free text words and controlled vocabulary terms. No restrictions on publication date were used; however, the language was restricted to English. Reference lists of the included documents were hand searched to identify additional relevant articles and documents. In addition, we searched the websites of governmental entities and international agencies such as WHO, World Bank, and USAID.
Each document was reviewed and summarized in a data collection sheet that included title of the document, type, and component (and elements) of the research priorities it addressed.
The interaction between chair and the panelists participating in the plenary session conducted in the 1st World NCD Congress was recorded using audio-visual media. Key points emerging from the discussions were noted and summarized for identification of thematic areas.
| Results | | |
Identification of research priorities in noncommunicable diseases
Many researchers and organizations have employed different criteria for setting priorities for investing in NCD-related research and development. Some of the common points of agreement, however, are that the research should focus on measurable data, should yield results within a time frame of 5–10 years, the results should have a large scale impact on all population subgroups and address the emerging epidemic from a long-term perspective.[27] Different methodologies for identifications of research priorities have also been adopted, most of which include a mixed method approach, with more reliance on qualitative research methods. WHO in 2011 described priority research issues of importance in NCD-related policy and program development.[11] These priorities were decided after discussions with experts in panel forums, review by WHO Advisory Committee on Health Research and Ministerial forum on health research, and inputs from research institutions and WHO collaborating centers. Different frameworks for describing research priorities have also been employed, such as morbidity-specific research priorities, research activity-specific priorities, or generic research domains relevant to more than one NCD.[11],[27],[28]
Keeping in perspective the approach followed by WHO, it has been attempted to describe the key priority areas requiring urgent attention in the field of NCD prevention and control. The research themes have been stratified initially as per specific morbidities and their risk factors and then under the cross-cutting domains common to majority of NCDs.
Major morbidities
Cardiovascular diseases
These contribute to 48% of NCD deaths and 10% of global disease burden. Vast knowledge base on causes and risk factors of cardiovascular diseases and effective preventive and curative interventions is available. However, country-specific information on extent and patterns of disease and its social impact needs to be identified. Impact of individual-level behavioral factors and societal level factors such as urbanization need to be assessed.
Health system-related opportunities related to application of primary and secondary care cost-effective interventions need to be identified and explored. Effectiveness studies on alternative, low-cost, and feasible population screening approaches and community education campaigns in LMIC need to be conducted.
Asthma/chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is expected to be third leading cause of global mortality by the year 2030. Tobacco smoking and indoor air pollution, especially due to use of solid fuels are the common risk factors. Studies collecting empirical data to accurately measure the magnitude of the problem in LMIC, however, are still needed. Furthermore, research on evidence-based approaches for prevention of COPD in primary care settings is required. Studies are also required to assess gaps in accessibility and affordability of essential medicines and technologies required for treatment of Asthma and COPD. Finally, research for development of community-based interventions for behavior change for primary prevention is the need of the hour.
Diabetes
Evidence related to cost-effective measures for prevention of diabetic complications is abundant. However, measures toward reduction in diabetes incidence are not available. The prevalence of diabetes, its complications, and risk factors need to be assessed in LMIC settings. Research is also needed to assess the impact of rural-urban migration, changes in traditional food habits, and physical activity patterns in different population subgroups. Cost-effective point of care diagnostic techniques and risk prediction algorithms for vulnerable populations need to be established. Furthermore, research is required to develop risk prevention programs using lifestyle interventions among high-risk populations.
Cancers
Evidence on benefits of controlling exposure to known carcinogens is available. Early detection and screening programs are known to be very cost-effective. Mechanisms to strengthen cancer registries and control programs need to be researched. Community-based approaches for improving awareness about risk factors and early identification need to be developed. Health technology assessment exercises for identifying cost-effective treatment modality combinations need to be conducted. Research is also needed to establish effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of vaccines for prevention of cancers in LMIC settings. Qualitative research toward health system strengthening and policy advocacy mechanisms for enhancing cancer-related service delivery and health-care financing is also required. Since treatment of cancer is usually very costly and mostly borne out of pocket, innovative measures to reduce catastrophic impact of the same on patients and their families need to be developed.
Cross-cutting domains
Primary health-care services for noncommunicable diseases
Cost-effective measures for prevention and control of NCDs have been established in high income countries; however, mechanisms for their effective utilization in low-income settings have to be generated. Research for identification of sustainable strategies for a comprehensive risk reduction at individual and community level, including behavior management strategies, in diverse cultural settings is required. Studies looking at mechanisms to enhance coverage of primary care service delivery mechanisms and health system infrastructure in resource-poor settings may help in improving primary health-care services for NCDs. Studies are also required to identify culturally specific and appropriate resources for training and skill enhancement of health-care workers. More effective engagement with the private sector under public-private partnership mode in areas with low public health-care sector availability needs to be explored. Furthermore, mechanisms to engage other government departments in partnerships with the health department for prevention of NCDs may be explored.
Monitoring and surveillance
Research to identify effective strategies for improvement of data collection mechanisms for NCD incidence and prevalence is required. Approaches to strengthen the existing health management information systems with reorientation of the same for NCD data collection need to be studied. Better methods to triangulate information from different sources to improve accuracy need to be developed. Similarly, research is required for bringing improvement to the data quality assurance mechanisms. Finally, strategies to build capacity of human resources for health to undertake data analysis, interpret results, and disseminate findings are required to be researched further.
Role of social determinants
Social determinants are understood to play as important a role as the health system in influencing morbidity and mortality patterns in the communities. However, studies to objectively quantify this role and its application in prevention and control of NCDs are still required. This has to be done at a disaggregated level to generate information about all major groups of NCDs in different population subgroups. Studies are also required to understand the impact of social factors on inequalities in NCD outcomes. Factors contributing to NCDs at individual level, household level, and community level including development factors, economic factors, and demographic factors need to be understood within the specific geographical and cultural context of various countries to identify strategies to effectively employ them for reduction of NCD risk factors.
Utilization of research findings for policy development
Research is required to identify channels to facilitate uptake of scientific evidence for decision-making by policymakers, especially in LMICs. This can be accomplished only by conceptually understanding the research–policy–practice processes currently in place. Research is also required to understand linkage between public health institutions, advocacy groups, and policymaking bodies, and how these can be strengthened and reoriented toward evidence-based decision-making. Research to understand the political realities and power relations between various stakeholders that may hinder research uptake is also required.
Intersectorial coordination
Research is required to develop frameworks for enhancement of intersectorial coordination and cooperation between different government departments. Studies to understand the dynamics underlining interactions between different government departments and how these dynamics can be modified for public health benefit need to be commissioned. Research should be encouraged to develop mechanisms for incorporation of health policy in all major Government policies for effective NCD prevention. Research studies focusing on identification of means to cultivate and employ responsible media, including social media, encouraging social dialog, and behavior change communication should be conducted.
| Discussion and Conclusions | | |
Evidence-informed policies and practices to prevent and control emerging NCD epidemic require scientifically robust research. Although significant steps are being undertaken globally in this direction, there is still a lack of consensus on key research areas that should be focused on first. This study enlisted a set of priority areas and questions which can assist in guiding research aimed at prevention, control, and treatment of NCDs. Studies attempting to assess the magnitude of both the problem itself and its risk factors are the first and topmost priority.[29] There is an urgent need to establish and strengthen both hospital-based and population-based registries for better monitoring and evaluation.
A large database exists now on preventive and curative interventions that can be undertaken at different levels, but context-specific studies validating efficacy of these measures in different settings are still required.[30] Also important is to generate cost-effectiveness parameters for these interventions which can better assist policymakers in decision-making.[31] Research looking at ways to integrate these interventions at various levels of the health-care delivery system may contribute significantly to health system strengthening. Socioeconomic, developmental, as well as political factors contributing to NCDs at all levels of society, be it individual, household, or community level, need to be recognized and comprehended within the specific geographical contexts of various countries.[32]
Research is also required to understand mechanisms to facilitate uptake of scientific evidence for decision-making by policymakers. Low investments and funding toward NCD-related research is a harsh reality.[33] Research on advocacy mechanisms to attract more funding by convincing policymakers in national governments of different countries and international donor agencies will go a long way to tackle NCDs by bringing them on the center stage of the health and health-related policies.
To conclude, most of the current global research to prevent and control emerging NCD epidemic is specific to certain morbidities and contextual areas of interest to various stakeholders. It is important to generate knowledge and help to translate this knowledge into action, through innovative approaches both for the factors that are well understood as well as the ones for which there are lacunae in our current understanding. Multidisciplinary research approaches need to be followed to better elucidate the influence of sociodemographic and economic factors on NCD prevention and control, to enhance availability and accessibility of cost-effective interventions to lower socioeconomic strata, and to increase the uptake of evidence-based research for policy development by policymakers, especially in LMICs.
Resource persons/Contributors
Shri Ashwini Kumar Choubey, Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Government of India and Prof Anne Kelso (Chair Elect), National Health and Medical Research Council, Australia. Earnest thanks are also due to the lead speaker, Dr Soumya Swaminathan (GACD Board Member), Secretary DHR and DG ICMR, India and panelists in the session, Dr Karim Berkouk (GACD Management Committee Chair), Deputy Head NCDs and Challenges of Healthy Aging, Research Directorate, European Commission, Belgium, Dr Fernando Cendes (GACD Management Committee Member), FCM-UNICAMP, Brazil, Dr. Celina Gorre, Executive Director, GACD, United Kingdom and Dr. Brian Oldenburg, Professor and Director, Centre for Health Equity, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, Australia.
Financial support and sponsorship
Indian Council of Medical Research, New Delhi, India.
Conflicts of interest
There are no conflicts of interest.
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