Non‐communicable diseases in Fiji and current situation and issues for evidence‐based physiotherapy

Abstract

Introduction and purpose: Fiji has one of the highest incidences of non ‐ communicable diseases (NCDs) globally, account ‐ ing for over 80% of all deaths. NCDs are predominantly attributed to the following four lifestyle ‐ related problems: smoking, eating non ‐ nutritious or unhealthy foods, lack of exercise, and excessive drinking. The role of physical therapists in the treatment and prevention of NCDs is to reduce risk factors and mortality by using evidence ‐ based exercise therapy inter ‐ ventions. However, studies show that local physiotherapists fail to provide evidence ‐ based treatment for NCDs. The pur ‐ pose of this paper is to summarize previous studies on the recent trends of NCDs in Fiji and the current practices of local physiotherapists. Methods: Information on NCDs and the practices of local physiotherapists in Fiji was collected through a through litera ‐ ture search and the issues were summarized. Results and conclusions: With regard to smoking and alcohol consumption, which are risk factors for the development of NCDs, countermeasures taken at the national level have been effective to a certain extent. On the contrary, an unhealthy diet and physical inactivity may be associated with the high mortality rates due to NCDs in Fiji. Furthermore, employment opportunities for local physiotherapists were decreasing and evidence ‐ building in the field of physiotherapy is becoming an issue. The benefits of exercise therapy provided by physiotherapists are significant because it improves physical exercise function and thus has the potential to reduce the risk of developing NCDs. The establishment of a system for evidence ‐ building on the effectiveness of physiotherapy is ideal for the development of this field in Fiji.