American Journal of Medicine and Medical Sciences 2015, 5(4): 150-157 DOI: 10.5923/j.ajmms.20150504.02 Epidemiologic Transition of Diseases and Health-Related Events in Developing Countries: A Review Adogu P. O. U. 1,* , Ubajaka C. F. 1 , Emelumadu O. F. 1 , Alutu C. O. C. 2 1 Department of Community Medicine and PHC Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching, Hospital/Nnamdi Azikiwe University, (NAU/NAUTH) Nnewi, Nigeria 2 Faculty of Medicine, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nnewi Campus, Nigeria Abstract Background: Over the past centuries, mortality and morbidity patterns have been changing all over the world albeit with variations in timing and pace. These changes have been referred to as the epidemiologic transition. The main features of the transition include a decline in mortality, an increase in life expectancy, and a shift in the leading causes of morbidity and mortality from infectious and parasitic diseases to non-communicable, chronic, degenerative diseases. The transition is linked to improvements and advances in nutrition, hygiene and sanitation, and medical knowledge and technology. As such, the epidemiologic transition is related to the demographic transition and the nutritional transition, and is part of a more broadly defined health transition. Objectives: This paper was aimed at studying these shifts in pattern of mortality, life expectancy, and causes of death. Methods: Relevant literature was reviewed from medical journals, library research, Pub Med search, Google search and search using other internet search engines. The key words for the search were “Epidemiologic transition”, “Developing countries”, “Diseases” and “health related events”. Result: Several studies have given perspectives on epidemiologic transition, the factors that are responsible for the transition, the effects on the health of man, the scenarios in developed world and in the developing countries. Also highlighted are the challenges posed to humanity and possible measures to arrest the situation. Conclusion: It is obvious that epidemiologic transition is a reality that is present with humanity. In the developing world we have more problems on our hand as we have not succeeded in controlling the communicable diseases and the non-communicable diseases mostly nutrition-related are becoming predominant. This calls for action to prevent the dire consequences of double burden of disease arising from inaction. Keywords Epidemiologic transition, Developing countries, Diseases, Health related events 1. Introduction Whereas common infectious and parasitic diseases such as malaria and the HIV/AIDS pandemic remain major unresolved health problems in many developing countries, emerging non-communicable diseases relating to diet and lifestyle have been increasing over the last two decades, thus creating a double burden of disease and impacting negatively on already over-stretched health services in these countries. Prevalence rates for type 2 diabetes mellitus and CVDs (cardiovascular diseases) in sub-Saharan Africa have seen a 10-fold increase in the last 20 years [1]. In the Arab Gulf current prevalence rates are between 25% and 35% for the adult population, whilst evidence of the metabolic syndrome is emerging in children and adolescents [1]. Thus, as acute infectious diseases are reduced, chronic degenerative * Corresponding author: prosuperhealth50@gmail.com (Adogu P. O. U.) Published online at http://journal.sapub.org/ajmms Copyright © 2015 Scientific & Academic Publishing. All Rights Reserved diseases increase in prominence, causing a gradual shift in the age pattern of mortality from younger to older ages. It is believed that the epidemiologic transition in industrialized countries emerged towards the early 1900s, with rising levels of non-communicable diseases (NCD) that probably peaked by the mid 1950s, accompanied by a marked fall in infectious-disease morbidity and mortality [2]. Evidence for the emergence of the epidemiologic transition has often been associated with epidemics of diseases of the heart and blood vessels (including hypertension, ischemic heart disease and cerebrovascular disease), cancers, type 2 diabetes mellitus, osteoporosis, neuropsychiatric disorders and other chronic diseases [3], which are now major contributors to the burden of disease in both developed and developing countries. A developing country, also called a lower developed country, is a nation with an underdeveloped industrial base, and low Human Development Index (HDI) relative to other countries [4]. The objective of this review is to study these shifts in pattern of mortality, life expectancy, and causes of death in developing countries.