Sex differentials in the prevalence of behavioral risk factors and non-communicable diseases in adult populations of West Kazakhstan

IntroductionThe prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) is increasing worldwide. Several modifiable risk factors, such as smoking, alcohol drinking, physical inactivity, and obesity, have been linked to the development of NCDs in both genders. Understanding the prevalence of these risk factors and their associated factors is crucial for effective intervention planning in adult populations. This study aimed to provide an overview of the prevalence and associated factors of these risk behaviors among different genders of adults in West Kazakhstan.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted in four regions of West Kazakhstan. A stratified multistage sampling technique was utilized to obtain a representative sample size of 4,800 participants aged 18 -69 years. Trained researchers administered face-to-face interviews using validated questionnaires to gather information pertaining to sociodemographic characteristics, smoking habits, alcohol drinking, dietary patterns, physical activity levels, body mass index (BMI), and prevalent diseases.ResultsThis study, which included 4,800 participants from West Kazakhstan, revealed some striking numerical findings. The overall prevalence rates of behavioral risk factors and metabolic conditions were as follows: smoking was 13.6% (95%CI: 3.2–24.0%), alcohol drinking was 47.0% (27.7–66.3%), current obesity was 22.3% (9.0–35.6%), and physical inactivity was 80.7% (55.4–106.0%). In addition, the overall prevalence rates of metabolic conditions were 25.6% (11.3–39.9%) for hypertension, 7.5% (0.2–15.2%) for diabetes, 11.8% (2.1–21.5%) for high cholesterol, and 13.0% (2.8–23.2%) for cardiovascular diseases. Additionally, a higher prevalence of high cholesterol was observed in men, and a greater prevalence of heart disease was identified in women. Multinomial logistic regression revealed that physical inactivity was associated with hypertension, diabetes, and heart disease, while obesity was linked to hypertension, high cholesterol, and heart disease.DiscussionThis study in West Kazakhstan identified variations in the prevalence of behavioral risk factors and NCDs, highlighting gender, age, and regional disparities. Notably, men showed higher rates of smoking and alcohol drinking, while women exhibited a greater prevalence of physical inactivity and obesity. Gender and regional differences were evident, with the West Kazakhstan region standing out for distinct patterns. Tailored interventions are crucial to address these disparities and enhance public health in the region

Processed Foods and Gut Health: A Mini Review of Microbiome Responses

Abstract The present mini review delves into the intricate nexus between processed foods and gut health, with a focused exploration of the dynamic responses exhibited by the gut microbiome. The ubiquity of processed foods in contemporary diets has prompted inquiries into their potential ramifications for human physiological well-being. Given the acknowledged centrality of the gut microbiota in sustaining holistic health, deciphering the nuances of how processed foods impinge upon its constitution and functionality assumes critical significance. By methodically scrutinizing recent empirical investigations, this mini review elucidates the multifaceted manners through which processed foods interface with the complex web of the gut microbial consortium. It meticulously delineates alterations in microbial taxonomic diversity, community richness, and ecological equilibrium, thereby elucidating the putative mechanistic underpinnings driving the possible impact of processed food consumption on physiological equilibrium. Furthermore, the review cogitates upon the broader translational repercussions of these microbiome perturbations, cogently contemplating potential correlations with pathophysiologies encompassing but not limited to inflammation cascades, metabolic perturbations, and immune homeostasis dysregulation. By synthesizing the current compendium of empirical insights, this mini review proffers cogent perspectives into the intricate interplay between processed foods and gut health. It substantiates the exigency for augmented investigative endeavors, whilst advocating for judicious dietary selections that foster resilience and equilibrium within the intricate milieu of the gut microbiome

Table_1_Sex differentials in the prevalence of behavioral risk factors and non-communicable diseases in adult populations of West Kazakhstan.DOCX

IntroductionThe prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) is increasing worldwide. Several modifiable risk factors, such as smoking, alcohol drinking, physical inactivity, and obesity, have been linked to the development of NCDs in both genders. Understanding the prevalence of these risk factors and their associated factors is crucial for effective intervention planning in adult populations. This study aimed to provide an overview of the prevalence and associated factors of these risk behaviors among different genders of adults in West Kazakhstan.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted in four regions of West Kazakhstan. A stratified multistage sampling technique was utilized to obtain a representative sample size of 4,800 participants aged 18 -69 years. Trained researchers administered face-to-face interviews using validated questionnaires to gather information pertaining to sociodemographic characteristics, smoking habits, alcohol drinking, dietary patterns, physical activity levels, body mass index (BMI), and prevalent diseases.ResultsThis study, which included 4,800 participants from West Kazakhstan, revealed some striking numerical findings. The overall prevalence rates of behavioral risk factors and metabolic conditions were as follows: smoking was 13.6% (95%CI: 3.2–24.0%), alcohol drinking was 47.0% (27.7–66.3%), current obesity was 22.3% (9.0–35.6%), and physical inactivity was 80.7% (55.4–106.0%). In addition, the overall prevalence rates of metabolic conditions were 25.6% (11.3–39.9%) for hypertension, 7.5% (0.2–15.2%) for diabetes, 11.8% (2.1–21.5%) for high cholesterol, and 13.0% (2.8–23.2%) for cardiovascular diseases. Additionally, a higher prevalence of high cholesterol was observed in men, and a greater prevalence of heart disease was identified in women. Multinomial logistic regression revealed that physical inactivity was associated with hypertension, diabetes, and heart disease, while obesity was linked to hypertension, high cholesterol, and heart disease.DiscussionThis study in West Kazakhstan identified variations in the prevalence of behavioral risk factors and NCDs, highlighting gender, age, and regional disparities. Notably, men showed higher rates of smoking and alcohol drinking, while women exhibited a greater prevalence of physical inactivity and obesity. Gender and regional differences were evident, with the West Kazakhstan region standing out for distinct patterns. Tailored interventions are crucial to address these disparities and enhance public health in the region.</p