Misalignment between perceptions and actual global burden of disease: evidence from the US population

Figures & data

Fig. 1.  Perceived vs actual leading causes of death in low- and middle-income countries.

Sources: Research!America's November 2006 ‘Attitudes: Global Health Research’ survey (No. 1279c), conducted by Charlton Research (available at http://www.researchamerica.org). Respondents were asked ‘What do you think are the two leading causes of death in [poor or developing countries/countries other than the US]?’ Mortality data is from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) Study 2004 Update (2008), available at http://www.who.int/healthinfo/global_burden_disease/2004_report_update/en/index.html. The GBD defines low-income countries as those with a gross national income per capita of $825 or less and middle-income countries as those with a gross national income of less than $10,066. The Communicable Diseases category includes maternal and perinatal conditions and nutritional deficiencies. The diseases/infections category refers to general infections/illnesses. The sanitation issues category includes sanitation issues and living conditions. The health care category includes health care coverage and insurance. The medicines/vaccines category includes medical supplies, medicines, and vaccinations. The stroke category includes stroke and other cerebrovascular diseases. The violence/suicide category includes crime, murder, violence, and suicide. COPD, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease; LBW, Low Birth Weight.