Objectives: This study investigated stroke survivors and the characteristics of care management after discharge from hospital to home. The study aimed to identify caregiving difficulties and to assess mastery of skills in implementing recovery activities at home. This was a cross-sectional study. Methods: As part of the study, we interviewed 205 informal caregivers caring for stroke survivors. For descriptive statistics, frequencies, mean, medians, and standard deviations were calculated. Results: Caregivers determined that the main aim was to restore motor activity in 58% (p ≤ 0.021), and the difficulties they most often encounter during caregiving are difficulties related to obtaining information from medical personnel, or not understanding the information received in people under 50 years of age, which were indicated in 47.9% of cases, while in people over 50 years of age, this indicator was 49.5%. The emotional state of the informal caregivers is closely interrelated with the state of stroke survivors. The informal caregivers with a higher education are more resistant to these changes related to the patient’s health. Conclusions: The informal caregivers in East Kazakhstan face challenges such as inadequate preparation, limited resources, and emotional strain, hindering effective care. High rates of stroke-related impairments highlight the need for better rehabilitation programs and informal caregiver support. Future research should assess intervention programs and support systems.

Background: Epidemiology of male reproductive cancers (MRC) is relatively well studied in developed world nations, but little is known about Central Asian states. We aimed to analyze the changing trends for incidence, mortality and 5-year survival MRC across provinces of the Republic of Kazakhstan. Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study based on data obtained from the Kazakhstan Cancer Registry, which serves as a nationwide database for all histologically confirmed cancer cases. From this, information on all male patients with prostate (PCa) and testicular cancers (TCa) was retrieved for the period from 2010 to 2019. The statistical analysis of official data on incidence, survival, and mortality rates was performed for both the whole country and its provinces. Results: There was a substantial instability of PCa incidence rates, attributed to the execution of screening program from 2013 to 2017. Still, there was a lack of variations in TCa incidence rates. However, PCa screening program had no influence on reduction of mortality rates, which remained relatively stable. There is much heterogeneity between country’s provinces in incidence and mortality rates. TCa patients were younger than PCa patients and had better 5-year survival. Conclusion: As compared with many other countries, Kazakhstani men with PCa and TCa have poorer five-year survival, which requires further investigation. Moreover, a careful analysis of diagnostic and treatment strategies utilized at different hospitals across the country would be highly desirable.

Introduction: Studying the prevalence of anxiety, depression, and insomnia among medical workers in emergency medical services is a relevant task that will improve our understanding of scope of the problem and develop effective strategies to support and prevent psychological problems among medical staff. Insomnia is closely linked to anxiety and depression, as sleep disturbances can exacerbate emotional distress, while persistent anxiety and depressive symptoms contribute to sleep disruptions. Individuals suffering from insomnia are at a higher risk of developing anxiety and depression, creating a bidirectional relationship that negatively impacts overall mental well-being. This raises a crucial question: “What specific measures and intervention strategies can be implemented to reduce the levels of anxiety, depression, and insomnia among EMS personnel?” Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with the participation of 592 medical workers employed in emergency medical services in the East Kazakhstan and Abay regions of the Republic of Kazakhstan. This study included questions regarding the socio-demographic data of the respondents, questions assessing the severity of insomnia using the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), and questions from the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) scale assessing the level of anxiety and depression among the participants. Results: Nearly a third of the EMS personnel reported symptoms of insomnia (28.2% subthreshold, 16.2% insomnia, and 3.0% severe), anxiety (22.1% subclinical, and 13.0% clinical), or depression (20.4% subclinical, and 9.8% clinical). Feldshers (nursing staff) and those with higher education had elevated levels of these conditions. The insomnia was strongly correlated with anxiety (r = 0.539, p < 0.001) and depression (r = 0.415, p < 0.001), emphasizing the need for targeted mental health interventions. Conclusions: This study found elevated levels of insomnia, anxiety, and depression among emergency medical service (EMS) personnel—especially nursing staff and those with higher education. We recommend comprehensive mental health support, routine screenings, stress management training, and integrating sleep hygiene into wellness programs.

Intrduction. Studying the prevalence of anxiety, depression and insomnia among medical workers of Emergency medical service is a relevant task that will allow us to better understand the scope of the problem and develop effective strategies to support and prevent psychological problems among medical staff. Methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted with the participation of 592 medical workers employed at emergency medical service in the East Kazakhstan and the Abay regions of the Republic of Kazakhstan. The study included questions regarding socio-demographic data of the respondents, questions aimed at assessing the severity of insomnia using the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) and questions from the HADS scale to assess the level of anxiety and depression among the participants. Results. Nearly half of healthcare workers reported symptoms of insomnia (28.2% subthreshold, 16.2% insomnia, 3.0% severe), anxiety (22.1% subclinical, 13.0% clinical), or depression (20.4% subclinical, 9.8% clinical). Feldshers (nursing staff) and those with higher education had elevated levels of these conditions. Insomnia severity strongly correlated with anxiety (r=0.539, p<0.001) and depression (r=0.415, p<0.001), emphasizing the need for targeted mental health interventions. Conclusion. The study revealed high rates of insomnia, anxiety, and depression among healthcare workers, with nursing staff and highly educated individuals most affected. Insomnia correlated strongly with anxiety and depression, highlighting the need for mental health support.

Objectives: This study investigated the lives of people after stroke and the characteristics of care management after discharge from hospital to home. The study aimed to identify caregiving difficulties and to assess mastery of skills in implementing recovery activities at home. Study design: This was a cross-sectional study. Methods: As part of the study, we interviewed 205 relatives caring for stroke survivors. Descriptive statistics: frequencies, mean, medians, standard deviations were calculated. Results: Caregivers determined that the main actions are aimed at restoring motor activity 58% (p≤0.021) and the difficulties they most often encounter during caregiving are difficulties related to obtaining information from medical personnel, or not understanding the information received in persons under 50 years of age was 47.9%, while in persons over 50 years of age this indicator was 49.5%. The emotional state of the relative is closely interrelated with the state of the patient. Persons with higher education are more resistant to these changes related to the patient's health. Conclusion:The results of this study provide a focus on the essentials of home care and will help improve patient safety and reduce re-hospitalizations in this population, which in turn will improve the effectiveness of informal care.

Background: Abortion practices among women are a complex and sensitive topic that has been a subject of debate and controversy for many years. It involves the deliberate termination of a pregnancy and can have significant physical, emotional, and ethical implications for individuals and society as a whole. Abortion practices among women vary significantly worldwide due to cultural, legal, and social factors. Furthermore, the prevalence of abortion varies within different regions and populations, with approximately 1 million abortions performed each year on average. Abortion practices can be influenced by a variety of factors, including access to reproductive healthcare services, legal restrictions, socioeconomic status, religious beliefs, and personal values. Objective. Determine the prevalence of abortion practices among women in Kazakhstan. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted in the period from March 14 to March 30, 2024, to assess the state of abortion practice among women. The object of the study were women aged 18 years and older living in different regions of Kazakhstan. Stratified random sampling was used to form the sample, taking into account the geographical, age and socio-economic diversity of the population of Kazakhstan. The number of respondents amounted to 237 people. Women filled out anonymous questionnaires containing questions about socio-demographic characteristics, abortion experience, factors influencing the decision to have an abortion and access to reproductive services. Results: Abortion history was reported by 27.1% of women. The majority of women 69.0% had terminated pregnancy in the first trimester. Spontaneous abortion was reported by 25.6% of respondents, while 23.8% indicated safe induced abortion. The most frequent reason for induced abortion 41.5% was health problems (indications from the mother). In the majority of cases, 26.8% were initiated by women themselves. Conclusion: Effective reproductive health policies and interventions should prioritize access to safe and legal abortion services, as complications from unsafe abortion procedures can result in severe health consequences and even death. To achieve their desired fertility, women use a combination of contraception and abortion, and some societies also place constraints on marriage and sexual activity. Введение. Аборты среди женщин - сложная и деликатная тема, которая на протяжении многих лет является предметом дебатов и споров. Аборт подразумевает сознательное прерывание беременности и может иметь значительные физические, эмоциональные и этические последствия для отдельных людей и общества в целом. Практика абортов среди женщин во всем мире значительно различается в силу культурных, правовых и социальных факторов. Кроме того, распространенность абортов варьируется в разных регионах и группах населения, в среднем около 1 миллиона абортов совершается ежегодно. На практику абортов может влиять целый ряд факторов, включая доступ к услугам репродуктивного здоровья, правовые ограничения, социально-экономический статус, религиозные убеждения и личные ценности. Цели исследования. Определить распространенность практики абортов среди женщин в Казахстане. Материалы и методы исследования: В период с 14 по 30 марта 2024 года было проведено поперечное исследование с целью оценки состояния практики абортов среди женщин. Объектом исследования стали женщины в возрасте 18 лет и старше, проживающие в различных регионах Казахстана. Для формирования выборки использовалась стратифицированная случайная выборка, учитывающая географическое, возрастное и социально-экономическое разнообразие населения Казахстана. Количество респондентов составило 237 человек. Женщины заполнили анонимные анкеты, содержащие вопросы о социально-демографических характеристиках, опыте аборта, факторах, повлиявших на решение сделать аборт, и место проведения аборта. Результаты: Об абортах в анамнезе сообщили 27,1% женщин. Большинство женщин - 69,0% прервали беременность в первом триместре. О самопроизвольном аборте сообщили 25,6 % респонденток, а 23,8% указали на безопасный искусственный аборт. Наиболее частой причиной искусственного аборта в 41,5% случаев были проблемы со здоровьем (по показаниям матери). В большинстве случаев, 26,8%, инициаторами абортов были сами женщины. Вывод: Эффективная политика и...