Sudesh Sharma

Doctor of Philosophy, (Health Sciences)
Study Completed: 2020
College of Health

Citation

Thesis Title
Understanding the Social Determinants of Non-communicable Diseases in Nepal: A Systems Perspective

Non-communicable diseases, or NCDs, pose a complex global health challenge that increasingly affects low-income countries like Nepal. The threats posed by NCDs are influenced by behavioural, socio-economic and environmental factors, collectively termed ‘social determinants of health’. However, there is limited research on these in Nepal, which has delayed systemic NCD prevention there. Mr Sudesh used a ‘systems thinking’ methodology to investigate. This methodology combined case study and causal loop diagramming. He found that Nepal’s NCD problems are driven by socio-economic status, gender, commercial determinants and health system factors, and he identified leverages for health system-led action to address these problems.

Supervisors
Associate Professor Rachel Page
Dr James Faulkner
Dr Anna Matheson
Dr Dani Lambrick
Dr David Lounsbury