Determinants of change in non-communicable diseases in the UK and comparator countries
Lead Researcher: Majid Ezzati
Supported by the Social, Genetic & Environmental Determinants of Health (SGE) Theme
The United Kingdom is a wealthy nation with resources that could help its population live a long and healthy life by having healthy food and environment, and high-quality medical care. However, people in the UK on average have a shorter life expectancy than people in many other wealthy countries. This situation has become worse over recent years, particularly in communities most affected by poverty, but also nationally. In this study, we ask whether certain diseases are responsible for the United Kingdom performing poorly.
Diseases that do not spread from one person to another are called non-communicable diseases (or NCDs). They can be present suddenly, like a heart attack or stroke, but are often based on longer-term changes as in kidney disease and some cancers. These NCDs are the result of complex interactions between social, genetic and environmental factors in people’s lives. In this research study, we will compare the situation of NCDs between the United Kingdom and other wealthy countries. The knowledge will provide information that, together with subsequent research on how to reduce these diseases effectively, can help the United Kingdom, including the local population in North West London, to catch up with other wealthy nations.