DISEASE SOCIOECONOMIC IMPACT | DEFINITIONS [CSEC BIOLOGY & HSB]

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SYLLABUS REFERENCE 

CSEC HSB

  • [D11] discuss the impact of diseases on the human population;
  • Important definitions, especially with respect to managing disease in a community. 
CSEC BIOLOGY 
[B10.6] discuss the social, environmental and economic implications of disease with reference to both plant and animal diseases. 

MANAGING DISEASE IN A POPULATION 

Managing Communicable Disease 

  • This involves controlling its spread and preventing infection in the population. 
  • It requires knowledge of:
    • the pathogen that causes the disease 
    • how the disease is transmitted. 

Managing Non-Communicable Disease 

This involves:
  • Informing the population of its causes 
  • Implementing strategies to reduce its incidence. 

IMPORTANT DEFINITIONS 

Treatment 

  • A chemical or action that either cures the disease or eases the signs & symptoms. 
  • It can range from drugs for a headache, to surgery for cancer. 
  • Mental health treatment tends to include psychotherapy, such as counselling. In some, more serious cases, it also involves psychiatry and drug prescriptions. 

Modalities 

  • These are the methods of treatment that doctors have to select from. 
  • Examples include painkiller medication, chemotherapy, and surgery. 

Endemic Diseases 

  • These disease are always present in an area.
  • Examples are malaria in certain parts of Africa, and AIDS throughout the globe. 
Global Distribution of Endemic Fungal Diseases


Epidemic Disease 

  • These diseases occur in outbreaks. 
  • Initially, large sections of the population are affected, but eventually the disease is brought under control. 
  • Sporadic outbreaks - isolated outbreaks in specific locations at various times, which sometimes seem random. 

Pandemic 

  • It is the worldwide spread of a new disease. 
  • Examples include Covid-19, and AIDS when it first emerged. 


IMPACT OF DISEASE 

Economic Impact 

  • Persons suffering from debilitating chronic diseases such as cancer place a massive drain on resources. 
  • The cost of people being off work due to ill health takes a significant toll on a country's economy. Especially due to some endemic disease, or in the midst of an outbreak. 
  • Disease in plants and animal livestock also has a significant effect. 
    • It can reduce numbers or wipe out a crop or livestock quickly. 
    • Results is loss of income for the farmer and a shortage of food. 

CASE STUDY: Covid-19 

The Basics 

  • Covid-19 was a new virus that emerged in 2019. Developed into a pandemic by early 2020. 
  • It is transmitted by airborne droplets when a person coughs & someone else inhales them. 
  • Asymptomatic persons could be carriers, which further increased risk. 
THE IMPACT WAS ENORMOUS, AT BOTH A PERSONAL & COMMUNITY LEVEL

The unemployed, low-income workers, large families, clinically vulnerable, and elderly were most affected by the social & economic impacts of the actions taken to control this disease. 

The Response 

  • Entire populations were asked to stay home. 
  • In many countries, schools were closed. 
  • People could not travel between countries. 
  • Non-essential business were required to close. 

Economic Impact 

  • Many of the non-essential business that had to close lost so much money that they never reopened. 
  • Large businesses made several of their staff redundant. 
  • Tourist industries were affected because people could not fly to holiday destinations. 
  • Many countries experienced an economic recession. 
  • Significant increases in persons being un- (or under-) employed. 

Social & Health Consequences 

  • Diversion of resources towards COVID-19 led to neglect of other diseases, especially particular non-communicable diseases. A recent PAHO report has established this effect, especially in Latin America and the Caribbean [The Actual Report] 
  • Wherever schools were closed, this placed huge pressure on working parents that did not have childcare.
    • Especially if grandparents are isolated or have died due to Covid-19. 

Impact on Young People 

Stress of economic effects plus the social restrictions led to higher levels of mental health problems during and after the pandemic. 
Especially amongst young people. 

Impact of Social Restrictions & School Closures on Young People 





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