Baruti is a 67-year-old farmer from Sudan. He has been migrating to other farming communities over the last few years. He has reported a family history of coronary vascular disease, with most males in his family dying in their 40s and 50s. Since last week, he has been experiencing weight loss, chronic cough, night sweats, and bloody sputum. His tuberculosis test shows a positive diagnosis. He is presently living in a community with a low literacy rate and limited healthcare availability.
Additionally, read the Sudan: Tuberculosis on the Rise in Sudan report for additional perspective on the rise of tuberculosis in Sudan.
Prompt
Apply your disciplinary perspective to evaluate the chronic cardiovascular and infectious disease risks implied by the case. In other words, defend your professional viewpoint regarding the most important factors that contribute to the health challenges. Then, in your responses, work as a group to refine those initial assessments.
Apply a global health perspective related to addressing chronic cardiovascular diseases illustrated in this case. Which factors are most important in understanding Baruti's cardiovascular disease diagnosis (for example, age, genetic predisposition, access to healthcare)? Be sure to substantiate your claims with evidence.
Apply a global health perspective to addressing the infectious disease illustrated in this case. Which factors are most important in understanding Baruti's infectious disease diagnosis (for example, socioeconomic group or migrant status)? Be sure to substantiate your claims with evidence.
Full Answer Section
Global health perspective on addressing chronic cardiovascular diseases
To address chronic cardiovascular diseases in a global health context, it is important to consider the following factors:
- Access to healthcare: People living in low-income countries often have limited access to healthcare, which can make it difficult for them to get preventive care and treatment for chronic cardiovascular diseases.
- Poverty: Poverty is a major risk factor for chronic cardiovascular diseases. People living in poverty may lack access to nutritious food, safe housing, and quality education.
- Lifestyle factors: Lifestyle factors such as smoking, unhealthy diet, and physical inactivity are major risk factors for chronic cardiovascular diseases. Global health interventions should focus on promoting healthy lifestyles and reducing exposure to risk factors.
Global health perspective on addressing infectious diseases
To address infectious diseases in a global health context, it is important to consider the following factors:
- Public health infrastructure: Strong public health infrastructure is essential for preventing and controlling infectious diseases. This includes systems for surveillance, vaccination, and treatment.
- Social determinants of health: Social determinants of health, such as poverty, education, and housing, have a major impact on the risk of infectious diseases. Global health interventions should address these social determinants of health to reduce the risk of infectious diseases.
- Equity: It is important to ensure that global health interventions are equitable and that everyone has access to prevention and treatment services, regardless of their income or social status.
Conclusion
Baruti's case highlights the importance of addressing chronic cardiovascular and infectious diseases in a global health context. These diseases are disproportionately affecting people living in low-income countries and migrant workers. Global health interventions should focus on improving access to healthcare, reducing exposure to risk factors, and addressing the social determinants of health.
References
- Sudan: Tuberculosis on the Rise in Sudan (2022). World Health Organization.
- Global Health Perspectives on Cardiovascular Disease (2021). World Heart Federation.
- Global Health Perspectives on Infectious Diseases (2020). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Sample Answer
Chronic cardiovascular and infectious disease risks implied by the case
Baruti's family history of coronary vascular disease, age, and migrant status are all important factors that contribute to his chronic cardiovascular and infectious disease risks.
Cardiovascular disease risks
- Age: Baruti is 67 years old, which is considered an older adult. Older adults are at increased risk of cardiovascular disease due to age-related changes in the heart and blood vessels.
- Genetic predisposition: Baruti has a family history of coronary vascular disease, which suggests that he may be genetically predisposed to developing this condition.
- Migrant status: Migrant workers often face challenges that can increase their risk of cardiovascular disease, such as poor housing conditions, limited access to healthcare, and unhealthy lifestyles.