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3. Economic Burden
- Treating NCDs involves repeated hospital visits, lifelong medicines, and diagnostic tests, making it financially draining.
- The World Health Organization (2023) reports that NCDs contribute to high out-of-pocket health spending, especially in low- and middle-income countries.
- Geng et al. (2025) found that NCD burden and related deaths are significantly higher in low Socio-Demographic Index (SDI) countries, showing clear health inequalities between rich and poor populations.
4. Age, Gender, and Inequality Patterns
- NCDs mainly affect middle-aged and older adults, but risk factors often start early in life.
- The 2025 study by Geng et al. found that:
- People in low- and middle-income countries face more severe consequences due to limited healthcare access and preventive screening.
1. Men have higher death rates from alcohol- and diet-related NCDs.
2. Women experience a higher burden from low physical activity–related NCDs.
3. Elderly adults (especially 80+) show the steepest increase in disease burden over time.