Systemic Review of Community-Based Interventions for Preventing Chronic Diseases in Preventive Medicine Practice: Review Article

Abstract

Background: Community-based interventions are methodical endeavors carried out at the community level to elevate health status and mitigate risk factors. These interventions entail the collaboration of community members, local organizations, and medical professionals to foster awareness of health, facilitate modifications in behavior, and create conducive conditions. They frequently encompass a wide array of tactics, including educational programs, modifications in lifestyle, and alterations in the environment. Community-based interventions have a vital role in preventing chronic diseases in the realm of preventive medicine. Objective: This review article aimed to through the light on the importance of the community-based interventions for prevention of chronic diseases. Methods: The search was performed on scientific databases including the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) of the Cochrane Library, Elsevier, National Library of Medicine (Pubmed), Frontiers, Research Gate, Scopus, Pubmed Central (PMC), and Google Scholar. The search for this article utilised many medical subject headings such as "prevention," "community-based intervention," "chronic diseases and mortality," "prevention of morbidity," "education intervention and diabetes," and "education in young adults," among others. The main strategies encompass health education and awareness campaigns, initiatives to promote physical activity, programs focused on nutrition, efforts to help individuals quit smoking, programs for screening and early detection, collaborations between communities, advocacy for policy changes and environmental modifications, social support programs, telehealth services and technology-based interventions, and customization based on cultural factors. English-language peer-reviewed research ensures the maintenance of academic rigor and comprehensive incorporation of intellectual contributions. The analysis incorporated research conducted between 2010 and 2023. Research conducted in languages other than English, for which translations are not available, was excluded. Conclusion: Evidence has shown that community-based therapies are successful in improving metabolic control, reducing diabetic secondary complications, and optimizing glycemic control in persons with Type 2 diabetes mellitus. Research has shown that peer support was successful in improving diabetes management and dietary behaviors, especially in geographically isolated regions. Research demonstrated that interventions implemented within communities proved to be efficacious in diminishing the prevalence of cardiovascular illnesses and managing hypertension. Nevertheless, these interventions encountered obstacles such as logistical, socio-cultural, sustainability and measurement and evaluation of difficulties that must be resolved to ensure their long-term viability and effectiveness.