Chronic Disease

Objectives

• Identify the most common chronic diseases in the US
• Explain the concept of patient empowerment and self-management
• Discuss the role of CHWs related to chronic disease

What is it?

• Lasts 3 months or more
• Can't be prevented with a vaccine
• Can't be cured with medication

What are they?

• CDC lists 6
• CMS lists 19

What is considered a chronic disease?

• CV disease, stroke, cancer, type 2 diabetes, obesity, COPD, arthritis
• CMS adds Alzheimers, HIV, kidney disease, mental health disorders (depression, PTSD), substance use

What causes it?

• Individual factors
• Environmental and community factors
• Societal factors (SDoH)
• Political factors

Environment/Lifestyle

• Physical inactivity
• Diet and nutrition
• Tobacco use
• Alcohol, drug misuse
• Stress
• Relationships

Genetics

Societal Factors

• Social
• Economic
• Political

Health Disparities

Self-Management

• Knowledge
• Attitude
• Behavior

Common consequences

• Fatigue, tiredness
• Pain, nerve damage
• Depression, stress, anxiety
• Mobility, ability to do ADLs
• Loss of independence
• Other losses (relationships, job..)
• Financial cost

What can CHWs do?

What CHWs can do

• Navigation of healthcare system
• Improve access to care
• Know and refer to community resources
• Health promotion
• Form relationships to promote trust

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