Evaluating prospective graduates’ health literacy profiles before they enter the job market is crucial. Our research aimed to explore the health literacy levels of medical and health students by assessing their ability to obtain health-related information, understand healthcare systems, use e-health, and be informed about vaccination as well as to explore the factors associated with health literacy. Short versions of the HLS19-Q12 were used for a cross-sectional survey that was carried out among 1042 students enrolled in various medical and health educational programs at three medical universities in Kazakhstan between September and November of 2023. Additionally, instruments such as Digital Health Literacy (HLS19-DIGI), Navigational Health Literacy (HLS19-NAV), and Vaccination Health Literacy (HLS19-VAC) were employed. The score of General Health Literacy was 88.26 ± 17.5. One in eight students encountered difficulties in Vaccination Health Literacy. Despite overall high health literacy, Navigational Health Literacy posed challenges for all students. The Public Health students exhibited the highest General Health Literacy (91.53 ± 13.22), followed by students in Nursing, General Medicine, other educational programs (Dentistry and Biomedicine) and Pharmacy. Financial constraints for medication and medical examinations significantly influenced health literacy across all types of individuals. Since comprehensive health literacy instruction or interventions are still uncommon in the curricula, it seems reasonable to develop and incorporate appropriate courses for medical and health educational programs.

Health, a holistic concept encompassing physical, mental, and social well-being, stands as a fundamental value in every individual's life. Despite its paramount importance, many scholars highlight the insufficient commitment to a healthy lifestyle among student populations, often attributed to the challenges associated with academic transitions and social adjustments. Understanding the factors influencing student health behaviors is crucial for promoting well-being and fostering healthy lifestyles. This study employed a cross-sectional, retrospective analysis using primary data. The survey covered socio-economic factors and aspects of a healthy lifestyle among students from various universities in the Karaganda region, including Medical, Technical, and Humanitarian universities. Multiple logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify determinants influencing students' health behaviors. Demographic analysis revealed that surveyed students were primarily urban-born, enrolled in medical university programs, and predominantly lived with parents or relatives. Most students reported financial capacity for medical care and rated their social standing favorably. A significant proportion exhibited a normal BMI, with a notable prevalence of chronic diseases. While emergency care utilization varied, general practitioner visits were common, albeit less frequent among students with chronic conditions. Factors influencing health behaviors included educational program enrollment, socio-economic status, residential circumstances, gender, age, vaccination status. Understanding the complex interplay of factors influencing student health behaviors is essential for designing effective health promotion programs within universities. This study provides valuable insights into the determinants of health behaviors among students, shedding light on areas for intervention and emphasizing the importance of fostering a healthy lifestyle for overall well-being and academic success.

Infant mortality rate (IMR) is a crucial indicator of healthcare performance and a reflection of a country’s socioeconomic development. We analyzed the trends of IMR in Central Asia (CA) countries and its determinants in Kazakhstan, which is a middle-income country. Linear regression was used for IMR trend analysis in CA countries from 2000 to 2020 and for exploring associations between IMR and socioeconomic factors, health service-related factors, and population health indicators-related factors. A gamma generalized linear model was applied to define associations with various determinants. Our analysis revealed that IMR has decreased in all CA countries, with Kazakhstan having the lowest rate in 2000 and 2020. Our results suggest that socioeconomic indicators, such as total unemployment, Gini index, current health expenditure, gross domestic product (GDP), proportion of people living in poverty, and births by 15–19-year-old mothers, were associated with increased infant mortality rates. Improving socioeconomic conditions, investing in healthcare systems, reducing poverty and income inequality, and improving access to education, are all potential issues for further development. Addressing these factors may be critical for improving maternal and child health outcomes in the region.

Maternal mortality ratio is one of the sensitive indicators that can characterize the performance of healthcare systems. In our study we aimed to compare the maternal mortality ratio in the Central Asia region from 2000 to 2020, determine its trends and evaluate the association between the maternal mortality ratio and Central Asia countries’ total health expenditures. We also compared the maternal mortality causes before and during the pandemic in Kazakhstan. The data were derived from the public statistical collections of each Central Asian country. During the pre-pandemic period, Central Asian nations had a downward trend of maternal mortality. Maternal mortality ratio in Central Asian countries decreased by 38% from 47.3 per 100,000 live births in 2000 to 29.5 per 100,000 live births in 2020. Except for Uzbekistan, where this indicator decreased, all Central Asian countries experienced a sharp increase in maternal mortality ratio in 2020. The proportion of indirect causes of maternal deaths in Kazakhstan reached 76.3% in 2020. There is an association between the maternal mortality ratio in Central Asian countries and their total health expenditures expressed in national currency units (r max = −0.89 and min = −0.66, p < 0.01). The study revealed an issue in the health data availability and accessibility for research in the region. The findings suggest that there must be additional efforts from the local authorities to enhance the preparedness of Central Asian healthcare systems for the new public health challenges and to improve health data accessibility.

Health literacy is identified as a crucial public health concept that demands the attention of policymakers due to its profound impact on population health. This comprehensive review explores the landscape of health literacy among youth, examining current circumstances, relevant policies, available resources, tools, and effective strategies. We aimed to comprehensively map and synthesize the existing literature on the current state of health literacy among young individuals. Employing a data-centric methodology, the review meticulously analyzes existing literature and research in the domain of youth health literacy. We displayed the results of the analysis, distributing them into appropriate blocks. The review emphasizes the need for deeper research to assess health literacy gaps among youth and select appropriate assessment tools. It also highlights the imperative to enhance the health literacy of young individuals, which presents a significant global challenge. Developed nations' governments show considerable interest in this issue, with potential legislative measures to foster competencies from early personal development. The review notes that multiple factors such as socioeconomic status, health risk behaviors, health status, gender, and age interplay with health literacy, requiring attention to disparities among at-risk populations. Despite numerous tools available for assessing general health literacy, the lack of a standardized international tool remains a concern for public health professionals. Addressing health literacy necessitates a multifaceted approach that considers diverse influences on health education, communication, and behavior, especially among youth. Tailored interventions designed for specific populations can bridge literacy gaps and enhance overall well-being.

Background: This study investigates the epidemiological trends of autism spectrum disorder and other neurodevelopmental disorders in Kazakhstan from 2016 to 2022.Methods: Utilizing national healthcare databases, we analyzed the incidence and prevalence of childhood autism, atypical autism, and neurodevelopmental disorders across various regions of Kazakhstan.Results: Our findings reveal a nearly fivefold increase in the diagnosis of childhood autism and a fourfold increase in atypical autism over the seven-year period, with both trends showing statistical significance (p < 0.01). However, no significant trend was observed for broader neurodevelopmental disorders. Regional disparities were evident, with northern regions showing higher rates of ASD diagnoses compared to the southern regions, likely influenced by factors such as healthcare infrastructure, urbanization, and environmental pollution. Astana showed a marked increase in childhood autism prevalence, reaching 263.7 per 100,000 children by 2022.Conclusion: Data highlight an important public health trend in Kazakhstan, where the primary incidence of autism spectrum disorders is on the rise, reflecting improved recognition and diagnostic practices.