Final answer:
The term Epidemiological transition refers to a shift from infectious and communicable diseases to chronic, degenerative diseases as major causes of morbidity and mortality in a population.
Step-by-step explanation:
The shift in the pattern of morbidity (illness) and mortality (death) from causes predominantly related to infectious and communicable diseases to causes associated with chronic, degenerative diseases is referred to as
b) Epidemiological transition
. This concept refers to the global health shift observed as societies industrialize and progress. Initially, populations tend to deal with high rates of infectious disease and high infant mortality rates. However, as societies evolve, these issues decrease, and chronic, degenerative diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and disorders associated with obesity become more prevalent. These changes are a result of a wide array of factors including genetics, environmental changes, lifestyle adaptations, and potentially even immune system dysfunction.
Learn more about Epidemiological transition