COVID-19 has affected all aspects of human life so far. From the outset of the pandemic, preventing the spread of COVID-19 through the observance of health protocols, especially the use of sanitizers and disinfectants was given more attention. Despite the effectiveness of disinfection chemicals in controlling and preventing COVID-19, there are critical concerns about their adverse effects on human health. This study aims to assess the health effects of sanitizers and disinfectants on a global scale. A total of 91,056 participants from 154 countries participated in this cross-sectional study. Information on the use of sanitizers and disinfectants and health was collected using an electronic questionnaire, which was translated into 26 languages via web-based platforms. The findings of this study suggest that detergents, alcohol-based substances, and chlorinated compounds emerged as the most prevalent chemical agents compared to other sanitizers and disinfectants examined. Most frequently reported health issues include skin effects and respiratory effects. The Chi-square test showed a significant association between chlorinated compounds (sodium hypochlorite and per-chlorine) with all possible health effects under investigation (p-value <0.001). Examination of risk factors based on multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that alcohols and alcohols-based materials were associated with skin effects (OR, 1.98; 95%CI, 1.87–2.09), per-chlorine was associated with eye effects (OR, 1.83; 95%CI, 1.74–1.93), and highly likely with itching and throat irritation (OR, 2.00; 95%CI, 1.90–2.11). Furthermore, formaldehyde was associated with a higher prevalence of neurological effects (OR, 2.17; 95%CI, 1.92–2.44). Furthermore, formaldehyde was associated with a higher prevalence of neurological effects (OR, 2.17; 95%CI, 1.92–2.44). The use of sodium hypochlorite and per-chlorine also had a high chance of having respiratory effects. The findings of the current study suggest that health authorities need to implement more awareness programs about the side effects of using sanitizers and disinfectants during viral epidemics especially when they are used or overused.

Nurses have become integral members of multidisciplinary teams in managing rheumatic diseases, departing from their traditional patient care roles. This article provides a comprehensive review of nurses’ roles, interventions, and impacts in several rheumatic diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, spondyloarthritis, gout, systemic lupus erythematosus, and polymyalgia rheumatica. It has been demonstrated that care under nursing supervision is effective and safe, with benefits including disease management, quality of life, and treatment adherence. In addition, nurses play a crucial role in promoting health, educating patients, and administering biological disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the significance of telehealth services and nurses’ role in delivering remote care. However, nursing education and training challenges persist, particularly in standardization and access to postgraduate education. Efforts to enhance the role of nurses in rheumatology care are necessary to optimize patient outcomes and meet the evolving needs of individuals with rheumatic diseases. Collaboration across healthcare institutions, professional groups, and educational facilities is necessary for promoting the continual growth and advancement of rheumatology nurse practice. By equipping nurses with the requisite knowledge, expertise, and resources to deliver top-notch care, we can enhance the well-being of individuals with rheumatic diseases and foster improved overall health outcomes.

During the 20(th) century, the share of elderly in the total population of the Earth has increased steadily. It is expected that this trend will continue in the 21(st) century. In 1950, the elderly (persons aged 60 years and older) were 8% of the world population; in 2000, is already 10%; and in 2050, according to United Nations projections, the proportion will reach 21%. This research on Kazakhstan provides demographic analysis from 1989 to 2012 and presents the main features of population' ageing through comparative analysis. We used information-analytical, content-analysis, mathematical treatment and comparative analysis of statistical data on demographic status in Kazakhstan and some other countries of the world (UK, USA, Turkey, Russia) over the 1989-2012. Age dependency ratio of the Russian federation - >1.7 times, in the USA-up to 1.9 times and the UK has dependency ratio higher than 2.5 times of similar indicators in Kazakhstan in 2010. Life expectancy of the elderly population KZ after 65 years in 2010 was only 13.8 years, which is 6-9 years inferior to European and U.S. indices. Thus, increasing the retirement age is inappropriate for the current period.

Zimba O, et al. J Korean Med Sci. 2024 Feb;39(7):e93. https://doi.org/10.3346/jkms.2024.39.e93

Okyay RA, et al. J Korean Med Sci. 2025 Oct;40:e300. https://doi.org/10.3346/jkms.2025.40.e300

Alnaimat F, et al. J Korean Med Sci. 2025 May;40(21):e170. https://doi.org/10.3346/jkms.2025.40.e170