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Review
. 2023 Dec 1:43:100795.
doi: 10.1016/j.lanwpc.2023.100795. eCollection 2024 Feb.

Impact of COVID-19 on risks and deaths of non-communicable diseases in the Western Pacific region

Xiaoyue Xu  1 , Zumin Shi  2 , Lihui Zhou  3 , Jing Lin  3 , Evan Atlantis  4   5 , Xinguang Chen  6 , Akhtar Hussain  7   8 , Youfa Wang  6 , Yaogang Wang  3   9
Affiliations
Review

Impact of COVID-19 on risks and deaths of non-communicable diseases in the Western Pacific region

Xiaoyue Xu et al. Lancet Reg Health West Pac. .

Abstract

Countries and areas in the Western Pacific region (WPR) experienced the COVID-19 pandemic and took various preventive measures, which affected non-communicable diseases (NCDs) risks and mortality. Due to differences in COVID-19 prevention measures and other characteristics such as culture, religions, political systems, socioeconomic development, lifestyles, and health care systems, the effects of COVID-19 on NCDs varied greatly among WPR countries. Most countries had an increased all-cause and NCDs mortality during the pandemic, but some developed countries, including New Zealand, Singapore and Australia reported decreased mortality. The pandemic and the preventive measures increased NCD risk factors including unhealthy diet, lack of physical activity and sleep disorders. The effects varied by socioeconomic status and health conditions. COVID-19 related stress, food shortages, and confined lifestyle had immediate detrimental effects on NCDs, and also affected pregnancy outcomes with long-term effects on NCDs risks in coming years.

Keywords: COVID-19; Mortality; NCDs; Western Pacific region.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declared no conflict of interest.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Total confirmed cases, deaths, the prevalence and mortality of COVID-19 across counties in the WesternPacific region. a. Cumulative confirmed cases and deaths; b. prevalence and mortality rate of COVID-19.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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