title: Chronic and non-communicable diseases: a critical challenge for nurses globally.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Chronic and non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are a growing and enormous challenge that faces countries across the world. Low- and middle-income countries are disproportionately affected.
  Three risk factors--tobacco use, poor diet (including excessive alcohol intake) and lack of physical activity--contribute to four major chronic diseases--cardiovascular, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, diabetes and some cancers, which are responsible for over 50% of deaths worldwide.
  International governmental and non-governmental agencies are becoming increasingly concerned and active. Nurses across the world are well positioned to play a significant role and work with a wide range of people involved in the prevention and management of these chronic diseases.
authors.affiliation: Pan American Health Organization, Washington, DC, USA.
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Alleyne
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Hancock
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Hughes
mesh_terms: D002908:Chronic Disease / Q000401:mortality / Q000451:nursing / Q000517:prevention & control*; D003906:Developing Countries; D014943:Global Health; D006291:Health Policy; D006293:Health Promotion; D006801:Humans; D024802:Nurse's Role; D012307:Risk Factors; D014480:United Nations