Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are chronic conditions characterized by their long duration, slow

progression, and non-infectious nature. These diseases cannot be passed from person to person, unlike
infectious diseases. NCDs have become a major public health concern globally, accounting for 71% of
deaths worldwide (WHO, 2019). This essay explores the definition, examples, causes, and consequences
of NCDs. NCDs are often linked to lifestyle choices, genetics and environmental factors. Lifestyle-related
risk factors include physical inactivity, unhealthy diet, tobacco use and excessive alcohol consumption.

Examples of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are diabetes mellitus, hypertension (high blood
pressure), heart disease (coronary artery disease), stroke, cancer (most types), obesity among others.

Social effects are refered to as the impacts that non-communicable diseases (NCDs) have on
individuals, families and communities which include emotional and financial burdens, exacerbation of
social inequalities, increased absenteeism in the workplace and social stigma that can lead to isolation.
These effects highlight the broader implications of NCDs beyond health, influencing economic
productivity and social cohesion within society.

Economic effects are refered to as the financial impacts that non-communicable diseases (NCDs) have
on individuals, families and economies including increased healthcare costs, lost productivity due to
absenteeism, premature mortality leading to a loss of skilled labor and the strain on public health
systems and national budgets. These effects can hinder economic growth and development, particularly
in Zimbabwe.

The write up is aimed at discussing the social and economic effects of non communicable diseases in
Zimbabwe. More information shall be explained as the essay unfolds.

Families play a crucial role in the support of individuals with non communicable diseases. The burden of
care often falls on family members, leading to emotional stress and caregiver exhaustion and fartige
(Pinquart & Sorensen, 2011). Caregivers can experience increased anxiety and depression due to the
demands of caregiving, which significantly affects their health and quality of life (Schulz & Sherwood,
2008). Furthermore, non communicable diseases can have intergenerational impacts as children in
families dealing with chronic illness may adopt unhealthy behaviors or face emotional challenges due to
feeling inadequacy or guilty related to not being able to help, unhealthy food choices and iregular meal
times, reduced opportunities for outdoor play and exercise which result from caregiving responsibilities
and fear of the loss (Marmot et al., 2012).

Moreover, individuals with certain non communicable diseass such as obesity or mental health
conditions often experience stigma and discrimination due to lack of beauty, fearing discomfort with
differences and or historical associations with shame and weakness. This societal stigma can lead to
social isolation and diminished self-esteem, worsening mental health issues (Corrigan et al., 2012).
Additionally, health disparities emerge due to social determinants as marginalized communities often
bear a higher burden of non communicable diseases, complicating their access to care and preventive
measures (World Health Organization, 2018).
Further more, the impact of NCDs has fostered the formation of support groups and community
networks. These groups provide emotional and practical support, helping individuals cope with their
conditions (Dahm et al., 2017). Enhanced health education and awareness initiatives have emerged in
response to the NCD challenge, empowering communities to take proactive steps toward healthier living
(Patterson et al., 2019).

In addition, non communicable diseases are significantly contributing to high healthcare costs and
productivity losses. According to Bloom et al. (2011), the global cost of NCDs is projected to reach $47
trillion over the next two decades, primarily due to healthcare and productivity losses. Families facing
chronic illnesses may incur substantial out-of-pocket expenses for medications, doctor visits and
hospitalizations which can lead to high financial strain. This in turn leads to poverty and loss of life to
the patients if the treatments require international help and could not find enough financial support
(Gonzalez et al., 2016).

Non communicable diseases also have physical and emotional impacts. The psychological effects of non
communicable diseases extend beyond the individuals directly affected. Mental health issues such as
anxiety and depression are prevalent among those diagnosed with non communicable diseases which
can further complicate treatment adherence and overall health outcomes (Sullivan et al., 2012). Chronic
illness can diminish quality of life due to physical limitations, social withdrawal and emotional distress
(Bjorner et al., 2006).

There may be also changes in lifestyle and behaviour. The prevalence of non communicabke diseases
has stimulated individuals and communities to adopt healthier lifestyles. Research indicates that
awareness of non communicable diseases risks can lead to behavioral changes, such as improved diet
and increased physical activity (Institute of Medicine, 2012). Public health campaigns focused on non
communicable diseases prevention have demonstrated success in encouraging healthier behaviors
(Nicholson et al., 2015).

More over, non communicable diseases has led to changes in health polices and priorities. The rising
burden of non communicable disease has led governments and health organizations to shift policies and
priorities toward prevention and management. According to the World Health Organization (2013),
many countries are now prioritizing strategies to reduce NCDs through multisectoral approaches that
include health promotion, education and legislative measures.
Economic effects

Non communicable diseases which are directly associated with substantial have direct healthcare costs,
which include medical treatments, hospitalizations, medications and preventive care. According to the
World Health Organization (WHO, 2011), approximately 70% of all deaths globally are attributed to
NCDs, resulting in increased demand for healthcare services and higher expenditures. A study by Garcia
et al. (2015) highlighted that NCDs can account for more than 50% of health expenditure in various
countries including Zimbabwe, putting pressure on public health systems.

Moreover, non communicable disease also have indirect costs and productivity loss. The indirect costs
associated with non communicable diseases are equally significant. Patients suffering from non
communicable diseases often experience reduced productivity and absenteeism due to their health
conditions. According to the Global Burden of Disease Study (GBD, 2016), non communicable diseases
lead to considerable loss of income and economic output as individuals may be unable to work or
perform at full capacity. Engberg et al. (2017) found that the estimated productivity loss due to chronic
diseases such as diabetes and heart disease can amount to billions in lost revenue for businesses and
economies.

Further more, families of individuals with non communicable diseases also bear economic burdens.
Caregivers often experience reduced income due to time spent providing care, which may lead to
financial instability. A report from the AARP Public Policy Institute (2015) estimates that family
caregivers lose an average of $5,000 in income each year due to caregiving responsibilities.
Furthermore, out-of-pocket expenses related to caregiving, including transportation, medication and
home care often fall on families (Wagner et al., 2016).

In addition, non communicable diseases have longterm economic growht implications. The impact of
non communicable diseases extends beyond immediate healthcare costs to affect national economic
growth and development. The Lancet Commission on NCDs and Injuries (2018) argues that high rates of
non communicable diseases can inhibit economic development by reducing the workforce's overall
productivity and increasing healthcare expenditures. The commission estimated that the global
economy could lose $47 trillion by 2030 due to the impact of non communicable diseases particularly in
low- and middle-income countries like Zimbabwe (Bloom et al., 2011).
Non communicable diseases also lead to the strain on national health systems. Healthcare systems in
Zimbabwe face additional strain due to the rising prevalence of non communicable diseases. As more
individuals require chronic disease management, healthcare infrastructure and resources must be
reallocated to address this demand. The WHO (2017) reported that countries with high non
communicable diseases burdens often struggle to meet the healthcare needs of their populations,
leading to increased healthcare disparities and inefficiencies within the system.

The economic effects of NCDs further worsen global health inequalities. Low- and middle-income
countries like Zimbabwe often bear a disproportionate burden of non communicable diseases due to
inadequate healthcare infrastructure, resulting in higher rates of mortality and morbidity. According to
the WHO (2018), non communicable diseases represent approximately 80% of premature deaths in
these countries, stressing the need for targeted interventions to alleviate their economic impacts.

However, Investing in preventative measures has been shown to be economically beneficial in

addressing the burden of NCDs. Research by the WHO (2015) indicates that every dollar spent on
evidence-based interventions for NCD prevention and control can yield a return of up to $10 in
improved health, increased productivity, and reduced healthcare costs. This highlights the importance of
allocating resources toward prevention as a cost-effective strategy for mitigating the economic impact of
NCDs.

In conclusion, the social and economic effects of non-communicable diseases are deeply interconnected,
demanding a comprehensive public health response that focus on prevention and support to reduce
their burdens on individuals and society as a whole.
References

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AARP Research.

World Health Organization (2015) 'Global action plan for the prevention and control of
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