Human behaviors determine health: strategic thoughts on the prevention of chronic non-communicable diseases in China.

BACKGROUND

In the last three decades, people's living standards have significantly increased along with the rapid growth of the national economy of China. However, the prevalence of unhealthy behaviors and unfavorable lifestyles (e.g., smoking, excessive use of alcohol, physical inactivity, and unhealthy diets) also steadily increased, which may contribute to the growing epidemic of chronic non-communicable diseases (CNCDs) such as diabetes, coronary heart disease, stroke, and cancers.

PURPOSE

To briefly summarize the major studies from China concerning epidemic and burden of CNCDs and unhealthy lifestyles, and propose intervention strategies toward unhealthy lifestyles and behaviors aiming for effective control of the growing epidemic of CNCDs in China.

METHODS

We first review the major national studies addressing the epidemic and burden of CNCDs and unhealthy behaviors in China. Then, we aim to develop the preventive strategies against the increasing epidemic of CNCDs by focusing on the intervention campaign toward health unfavorable behaviors and lifestyles.

RESULTS

CNCDs have posed major challenges to public health and the ongoing reform of health care system in China. Unhealthy lifestyles and behaviors (e.g., smoking, excessive alcohol consumpsion, physical inactivity, and imbalanced diets) are responsible for the growing epidemic of CNCDs. Adherence to healthy behaviors and lifestyles is critical for maintaining physical and mental health.

CONCLUSION

Active implementation of the population-wide intervention program of health education and promotion by targeting unhealthy behaviors and lifestyles may help to constrain the growing epidemic of CNCDs in China.