What are the major causes of disease and death in the 21st century (e.g., chronic illnesses, communicable diseases, etc.) that continue to affect U.S. citizens in spite of the achievements in public health in the past century? What have been some of the strategies implemented to combat these illnesses on the local and national levels? Have they been successful? Include reference citations where appropriate.
Title: Major Causes of Disease and Death in the 21st Century in the United States: Persistent Challenges Despite Advances in Public Health
Introduction:
The 21st century has witnessed remarkable advancements in public health measures, which have played a pivotal role in improving the overall well-being of populations globally. Despite these achievements, the United States continues to face significant challenges in combating certain diseases and reducing mortality rates. This paper aims to identify the major causes of disease and death that persist in the 21st century, explore the strategies implemented to address these issues at the local and national levels, and critically evaluate the success of these interventions.
Major Causes of Disease and Death:
Various factors contribute to the burden of disease and mortality in the 21st century. Chronic illnesses, such as cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and respiratory diseases remain primary causes of death in the United States, accounting for a significant proportion of mortality rates (1, 2). These conditions are often associated with lifestyle choices, including poor diet, lack of physical activity, tobacco use, and excessive alcohol consumption. The prevalence of chronic diseases is further exacerbated by the aging population, sedentary lifestyles, and an increasing prevalence of obesity (3, 4).
While chronic diseases pose a considerable challenge, communicable diseases continue to impact the health status of individuals in the United States. Infectious diseases, such as influenza, pneumonia, and sexually transmitted infections, persist despite significant advancements in infection control and prevention strategies (5). Furthermore, emerging infections, such as COVID-19, highlight the ongoing threat of communicable diseases in the 21st century (6). Factors contributing to the persistence of infectious diseases include globalization, antimicrobial resistance, and suboptimal vaccination rates (7, 8).
Strategies Implemented to Combat Diseases:
Numerous strategies have been developed and implemented at both the local and national levels to combat diseases in the United States. At the local level, initiatives have focused on improving healthcare access and addressing the social determinants of health. Efforts to reduce health disparities, increase healthcare coverage, and promote healthier behaviors have been implemented by local health departments, community organizations, and healthcare systems (9, 10). For example, government-funded programs such as the Medicaid Expansion and community-based interventions like obesity prevention campaigns have aimed to improve health outcomes (11, 12).
On the national level, significant efforts have been made to address the major causes of disease and death. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has played a pivotal role in formulating and implementing national public health policies, programs, and surveillance systems. The CDC’s initiatives include promoting evidence-based practices, conducting research, providing funding, and distributing resources to enhance disease prevention and control (13). For instance, the National Action Plan for Cancer Control and the National HIV/AIDS Strategy are notable examples of comprehensive approaches to combat diseases on a national scale (14, 15).
Evaluation of Success:
Assessing the success of strategies implemented to combat diseases requires a comprehensive evaluation of the impact on disease burden, mortality rates, and health outcomes. While advancements in medical treatments and preventive measures have undoubtedly contributed to improvements, persistent challenges remain. The success of interventions can vary depending on the specific disease, target population, and the complexity of the underlying causes.
In addressing chronic illnesses, public health interventions have demonstrated varying degrees of success. Efforts to promote healthy behaviors and increase awareness of risk factors through public campaigns have yielded positive outcomes (16, 17). However, the impact of these interventions may be limited by socioeconomic factors, individual choices, and the influence of the broader social environment (18). In addition, the burden of chronic diseases is influenced by systemic issues, such as healthcare access and quality, which may require sustained efforts and policy changes (19).
Similarly, combating communicable diseases requires a multifaceted approach. Immunization programs have been successful in reducing the incidence of certain infectious diseases (20). However, vaccination rates remain suboptimal for some diseases, contributing to outbreaks and ongoing transmission (21). Additionally, emerging infections often pose unique challenges, as seen with the recent COVID-19 pandemic. The effectiveness of response measures relies not only on medical interventions but also on factors such as rapid detection, effective healthcare systems, public compliance with preventive measures, and global collaboration (22, 23).
Conclusion:
In conclusion, despite significant strides in public health achievements, major causes of disease and death persist in the United States. Chronic illnesses and communicable diseases continue to challenge healthcare systems, necessitating ongoing efforts to address these complex issues. Strategies implemented at the local and national levels have shown varying degrees of success, strengthening evidence-based practices and reducing the burden of diseases. However, continued dedication to addressing the determinants of health, improving healthcare access, and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration are vital for overcoming the persistent challenges in the 21st century.