Revista Cubana de Salud Pública
Print version ISSN 0864-3466
SEUC JO, Armando H. and DOMINGUEZ ALONSO, Emma. Introduction to the estimation of the burden of risk factors in Cuba. Rev. cub. salud pública [online]. 2009, vol.35, n.2, pp. 0-0. ISSN 0864-3466. http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S0864-34662009000200014.
Several studies in Cuba have estimated the burden of several diseases and lesions by using the Potential Years of Life Lost by Premature Death as burden indicator, among others. The use of these studies is mainly due to their close linking with the effects of various diseases and lesions on the life expectancy. However, the estimation of the burden associated to certain risk factors is also important, particularly from the preventive and health promotion viewpoints. This paper reviewed the basic concepts associated to these studies, the fundamental steps for their implementation, and made reflections on how these general steps may be adapted to and implemented in our national setting.
Keywords : Burden of risk factors study; Potential Years of Life Lost by Premature Death; life expectancy; risk factors; Cuba.