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

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

Human Papillomavirus related issues in western Kazakhstan: protocol for a comprehensive study

This article describes a Protocol for a study to determine a scope of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infection and evaluate cervical cancer prevention measures in the western Kazakhstan. Introduction — ICO (Institut Catala d’Oncologia) working group in 2015 informed that cervical cancer in Kazakhstan ranked as the 1st most frequent cancer among 15-44 aged women. Aim — comprehensive analysis of the HPV infection across the female population to predict further trends in the cervical cancer morbidity and outline the circle of urgent preventive measures. The most important tasks are the following: to analyze a set of clinical, laboratory and socio-demographic data for identification the region-specific risk factors of the disease; to present a comparative analysis of diagnostic screening tools practiced in the region for the development corrective recommendations for existing screening strategy. Methods — This study constitutes a mix of three different types: interview+cross-sectional study for general female population and interview+case-control study for women with the first time diagnosed cervical cancer, where women of the general sample of the same age with detected HPV infection but not affected by the disease serve as a control for those with the disease. Anticipated Results — A high feasibility and pithiness of this study is expected. Obtaining a wide body of information relatively HPV scope and a quality of the screening process during a patient’s single visit is the main strength of the research. Conclusion — Successful implementation of challenges announced in the research can lead to changing a general vector or/and constituent parts of the existing screening program