An Integrated Behavioral Health to Non-communicable Disease in Cambodia

Noncommunicable diseases (NCD’s) such as type 2 diabetes and hypertension are increasing in Cambodia. Clinicians in Cambodia do not routinely offer behavioral interventions to address the lifestyle behaviors such as poor nutrition, lack of physical activity and tobacco smoking that contribute to poor outcomes for NCD’s. Behavioral conditions such as depression and substance use disorder that are frequently comorbid with NCD’s also contribute to poor clinical outcomes are also not routinely addressed in medical settings in Cambodia. Integrated healthcare is the systematic, team-based approach to delivering behavioral interventions to address lifestyle and behavioral conditions that underlie poor outcomes for NCD’s delivered by a Behavioral Health Consultant (BHC). Research on type 2 diabetes and hypertension risk factors such as nutrition, physical activity, tobacco smoking and alcohol misuse demonstrates the need for a new workforce of BHC’s to improve quality and outcomes. A model of integrated behavioral health designed by this research team uses a Health Risk Assessment, a social worker or community health worker in the BHC role, and smartphone app platform for patient health self-management is recommended.