Abstract

Vietnam’s Gross National Income per capita has increased from US$110 in 2000 to US$2400 in 2018and is projected to have an urbanization rate of 40% by early 2020. So, how have these socioeconomic changes affected health issues in the country?

This question is answered in the research paper titled “Vietnam a country in transition: health challenges” by Dr. Nguyen Thi Tuyet, Curriculum Development Director, Residency Program, and Prof. Maurizio Trevisan, Dean of College of Health Sciences which has just been published in the prestigious British Medical Journal: Nutrition, Prevention and Health.

The study shows that in parallel with economic growth, the rate of death and morbidity due to infectious diseases has decreased sharply, contributing to the increase of the average life expectancy of the Vietnamese people by 6.5 years for women and 5 years for men, between 1990 and 2017. It is estimated that by 2038, older people will account for about 20% of the population, significantly increasing demand for healthcare services for the elderly in the near future.

The leading causes of death and injury are also shown in the study, including cardiovascular disease, cancer and road accidents. In addition, the authors have an in-depth analysis on the factors that may put pressure on the healthcare system such as hypertension, diabetes, and lipid disorders; lifestyle factors such as eating habits, nutrition, physical activity, smoking and drinking; and habitat factors such as air quality and the traffic situation.

The study provides new data and trend analysis, as well as an overall picture of the healthcare system in Vietnam confirming the need for educational strategies and raising awareness about healthcare among the community and among healthcare professionals.

Authors: Nguyen Thi Tuyet and Maurizio Trevisan

Read more about the article here

Read more about the Nguyen Thi Tuyet’s publications here

Read more about the Maurizio Trevisan’s publications here