syndemic


syndemic

(sin″dem′ik) [ syn- + analogy with (en)demic, (epi)demic] A network of health problems, esp. ones that share common social underpinnings and cause an increased public health burden on a community. An example of a syndemic is the linkage between the ready availability of snack foods, low socioeconomic status, sedentary lifestyle, overeating, obesity, and an increased risk of diabetes mellitus and coronary artery disease.