Description: Epidemiological transition is a concept that describes the change in morbidity and mortality patterns of a population, shifting from infectious and acute diseases to chronic and degenerative diseases. This phenomenon reflects the impact of various factors, such as socioeconomic development, advances in medicine, and improvements in living conditions. As societies evolve, the causes of death and illness also change, implying a transformation in the disease burden. Infectious diseases, which used to be the leading causes of mortality, have largely been controlled thanks to vaccination, access to medical treatments, and improved hygiene. In contrast, chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and cancer, have emerged as the main threats to public health. This shift not only affects individual health but also has significant implications for health systems, which must adapt to address the needs of an aging population facing new health challenges. Therefore, the epidemiological transition is a crucial indicator of a society’s development and the effectiveness of its public health policies.
History: The term ‘epidemiological transition’ was popularized by demographer Abdel Omran in 1971, who identified different stages in the evolution of diseases in populations. Omran proposed that societies go through a transition process where infectious diseases are replaced by chronic diseases as they develop. This concept has been fundamental in understanding how socioeconomic conditions and advances in public health influence disease patterns over time.
Uses: Epidemiological transition is used in public health policy planning, allowing governments and health organizations to anticipate and address the changing needs of the population. It is also useful in epidemiological research to identify trends in morbidity and mortality, as well as in education and awareness about the prevention of chronic diseases.
Examples: An example of epidemiological transition can be observed in developed countries like the United States, where mortality rates from infectious diseases have drastically decreased, while chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart diseases have increased. In contrast, some developing countries still experience high mortality rates from infectious diseases, although they are also beginning to see an increase in chronic diseases as they develop.
