Photo AI
TB is a GIANT POVERTY-PRODUCING MECHANISM TB (Tuberculosis), the disease of poverty, is a lifestyle disease - NSC Life Orientation - Question 5 - 2015 - Paper 1
Question 5
TB is a GIANT POVERTY-PRODUCING MECHANISM TB (Tuberculosis), the disease of poverty, is a lifestyle disease. A *symbiotic relationship exists between TB and poverty... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:TB is a GIANT POVERTY-PRODUCING MECHANISM TB (Tuberculosis), the disease of poverty, is a lifestyle disease - NSC Life Orientation - Question 5 - 2015 - Paper 1
Step 1
Define a lifestyle disease and indicate why TB is considered to be such a disease.
Answer
A lifestyle disease is commonly defined as a disease associated with the way a person or group of people lives. This type of disease is typically linked to unhealthy habits, such as poor diet, smoking, substance abuse, and lack of exercise.
Tuberculosis (TB) is considered a lifestyle disease because it predominantly affects individuals living in low-income conditions. Poor living conditions exacerbate the spread of TB as these environments often lack proper ventilation and sanitation, enhancing the risk of transmission.
Step 2
Discuss THREE ways in which poverty may be a contributory factor to the increase in TB infections.
Answer
-
Poor Living Conditions: In impoverished communities, individuals often live in overcrowded environments with inadequate ventilation. This facilitates the transmission of TB, as the bacteria thrive in these close quarters.
-
Limited Access to Healthcare: Poverty restricts access to healthcare services, preventing people from obtaining timely TB diagnosis and treatment. Consequently, undiagnosed individuals continue to spread the disease within their communities.
-
Nutritional Deficiencies: Individuals living in poverty may lack adequate nutrition, weakening their immune systems. A weakened immune response makes them more susceptible to infections, including TB.
Step 3
Suggest THREE ways in which the local government can engage the community in sustainable programmes that will tackle TB and poverty alleviation.
Answer
-
Health Education Initiatives: The local government can implement educational programs that raise awareness about TB and its prevention methods. Such initiatives could include workshops and community meetings.
-
Improving Sanitation and Living Conditions: Investing in infrastructure to improve sanitation and living conditions can significantly reduce TB transmission. This can involve providing clean drinking water and establishing waste disposal systems.
-
Promoting Physical Activities: Local authorities can encourage physical exercises and community engagement activities as a means to improve overall health and strengthen the immune system, which can help in the fight against TB.