Is It Time to Reassess the Categorization of Disease Burdens in Low-Income Countries?

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Citation

Setel, Philip W.; Saker, Lance; Unwin, Nigel C.; Hemed, Yusuf; Whiting, David R.; & Kitange, Henry (2004). Is It Time to Reassess the Categorization of Disease Burdens in Low-Income Countries?. American Journal of Public Health, 94(3), 384-388. PMCID: PMC1448262

Abstract

The classification of disease burdens is an important topic that receives little attention or debate. One common classification scheme, the broad cause grouping, is based on etiology and health transition theory and is mainly concerned with distinguishing communicable from noncommunicable diseases. This may be of limited utility to policymakers and planners. We propose a broad care needs framework to complement the broad cause grouping. This alternative scheme may be of equal or greater value to planners. We apply these schemes to disability-adjusted life year estimates for 2000 and to mortality data from Tanzania. The results suggest that a broad care needs approach could shift the priorities of health planners and policymakers and deserves further evaluation.

URL

http://dx.doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.94.3.384

Reference Type

Journal Article

Year Published

2004

Journal Title

American Journal of Public Health

Author(s)

Setel, Philip W.
Saker, Lance
Unwin, Nigel C.
Hemed, Yusuf
Whiting, David R.
Kitange, Henry

PMCID

PMC1448262