Scenario: Cardiovascular and Infectious Diseases From a Sudanese Lens
Scenario: Cardiovascular and Infectious Diseases From a Sudanese Lens
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.
Sample Solution
Chronic Cardiovascular Disease Risks
Baruti, a 67-year-old farmer from Sudan with a family history of coronary vascular disease, is at an increased risk for developing chronic cardiovascular disease. Cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of death in Sudan, and the prevalence is increasing, particularly among older adults.
Factors that contribute to chronic cardiovascular disease in Sudan include:
- Age: The risk of developing cardiovascular disease increases with age.
- Genetic predisposition: Baruti's family history of coronary vascular disease suggests that he may have a genetic predisposition to the condition.
Full Answer Section
- Access to healthcare: Baruti's limited access to healthcare may make it difficult for him to get the preventive care and treatment he needs to manage his cardiovascular health.
- Hypertension: Hypertension is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease, and it is highly prevalent in Sudan.
- Diabetes: Diabetes is another major risk factor for cardiovascular disease, and it is also increasing in prevalence in Sudan.
- Unhealthy diet and lifestyle: A diet high in saturated and unhealthy fats, salt, and sugar, and a sedentary lifestyle can all increase the risk of cardiovascular disease.
- Investing in preventive care: This includes screening for and treating risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes, and high cholesterol.
- Promoting healthy lifestyles: This includes encouraging people to eat a healthy diet, exercise regularly, and avoid smoking.
- Improving access to healthcare: This includes ensuring that people have access to affordable, quality cardiovascular care.
- Poverty: Poverty is a major risk factor for tuberculosis, as it can lead to malnutrition, overcrowding, and poor living conditions.
- Conflict: Sudan has experienced decades of conflict, which has displaced millions of people and disrupted access to healthcare.
- Weak health systems: Sudan's health system is weak and underfunded, making it difficult to control the spread of tuberculosis.
- Strengthening health systems: This includes investing in primary healthcare, training healthcare workers, and improving access to essential medicines and diagnostics.
- Improving social determinants of health: This includes addressing poverty, conflict, and other social factors that contribute to the spread of infectious diseases.
- Promoting public health interventions: This includes vaccination, education, and other measures to prevent the spread of infectious diseases.