The China Seven Cities Study (CSCS) consortium: adapting evidence-based prevention science from west to east.
Chronic, noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) have surpassed infectious diseases as the primary cause of death and disability in most developing nations. Nowhere is this more evident than in China where NCDs account for 80% of all deaths and skyrocketing medical costs. Driving the escalation of NCDs are high rates of tobacco use, longer life spans, and changes in the traditional Chinese diet and lifestyle bolstered by unprecedented economic growth and the new global culture. Despite the epidemic of NCDs, few evidence-based interventions either to prevent or retard their progression exist in China. We present a case for the development and adoption of such strategies as effective tools to combat China's greatest health threat. Finally, we offer an example of a collaborative network linking Chinese public health and academic institutions with US researchers to promote the translation of western evidence-based interventions that fully incorporate local knowledge, culture, and capacity.
School of Community & Global Health, Claremont Graduate University, 180 East Via Verde, Suite 100, San Dimas, CA 91773 USA.
Paula H
PH
Palmer
Bin
B
Xie
Liming
L
Lee
Chih-Ping
CP
Chou
Ping
P
Sun
Bree
B
Hemingway
C Anderson
CA
Johnson
China; Evidence-based; Noncommunicable disease; Tobacco control