The HIV epidemic continues to grow in Kazakhstan and HIV stigma remains a major barrier to HIV prevention and treatment in the country. HIV stigma in healthcare setting may also discourage people living with HIV (PLHIV) from getting the care needed. Therefore, studying the attitudes of healthcare workers towards PLHIV is important and requires well-constructed measurement tools adapted to the specific cultural context. In our study, we aimed to adapt and re-validate a brief questionnaire on HIV stigma among healthcare workers in Almaty, Kazakhstan. We held focus group discussions to obtain input on an existing questionnaire and surveyed 448 primary healthcare providers to psychometrically evaluate the scale. The final HIV-stigma scale consisted of 15 items, 6 of them measuring negative opinions about PLHIV and the rest assessing stigmatizing health facility policies towards PLHIV. Both HIV-stigma subscales demons6trated adequate psychometric properties (with Cronbach’s alpha α = 0.57 for the first and α = 0.86 for the second subscale, and with factor loadings >0.35 within each subscale). High numbers of respondents holding negative attitudes towards PLHIV, detected in this sample (87%; n = 380), may suggest the need for immediate actions addressing HIV stigma in healthcare in Kazakhstan.

Background: HIV-related stigma among healthcare providers remains a significant barrier to effective HIV care and treatment. This study aimed to assess HIV-related stigma and associated factors among healthcare providers in primary healthcare clinics (PHCs) in Almaty, Kazakhstan. Methods: A mixed-methods design was employed, involving quantitative surveys and qualitative in-depth interviews. Eight PHCs were randomly selected, and 448 healthcare providers participated in the survey. The cross-sectional surveys took place at the PHCs between May 2, 2019, and July 2, 2019. The sample size was predetermined statistically with a 2.5% precision using a 95% confidence level. For the qualitative component, 10 participants were chosen for in-depth interviews. Descriptive statistics, bivariate analysis, and multivariable logistic regression models were performed for quantitative data analysis. Qualitative data were analyzed through manual thematic analysis. Results: The study revealed high levels of HIV-related stigma, with 87% of respondents agreeing with at least one stigmatizing statement about people living with HIV (PLHIV). Fear of HIV infection was also prevalent, with 85% of healthcare providers expressing some level of concern about contracting HIV during medical procedures. Logistic regression analysis indicated that longer years of work in healthcare were protective against stigmatizing opinions (Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR)=0.25; 95% Confidence Interval (95%CI)=0.09,0.67; p = 0.006), while not having seen a patient living with HIV in the last 12 months was associated with higher stigma (AOR = 3.31; 95%CI = 1.73, 6.31; p < 0.001). Qualitative interviews corroborated these findings and highlighted differential attitudes towards PLHIV based on modes of transmission, with particularly negative views towards sex workers and individuals with non-traditional sexual orientations. Conclusions: The study demonstrates significant HIV-related stigma among healthcare providers in Almaty PHCs, influenced by a lack of exposure to PLHIV and specific socio-demographic factors. These findings underscore the need for targeted interventions to reduce stigma and enhance HIV care in Kazakhstan.

Background: Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly integrated into healthcare, yet the attitudes and knowledge of nurses, who are the key mediators of AI implementation, remain underexplored. This study aimed to evaluate the psychometric properties of a previously validated nine-item scale measuring nurses’ knowledge and attitudes toward AI and to describe preliminary findings from primary healthcare centre (PHC) nurses in Almaty, Kazakhstan. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 400 nurses from eight randomly selected PHCs in Almaty. The English version of the questionnaire assessing sociodemographic characteristics, knowledge of AI, and attitudes toward AI among nurses was translated and adapted in Kazakh and Russian languages. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was performed on 60% of the sample ( n = 240) to identify the factor structure, followed by confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) on the remaining 40% ( n = 160). Internal consistency, composite reliability, and average variance extracted were calculated to evaluate reliability and convergent validity. Results: Most participants were female (94%, n = 376), aged 20–39 years (51.5%, n = 206), and held post-secondary medical college education (52.5%, n = 210). About one third of the participants reported having no general awareness of AI, and nearly half (45.8%, n = 183) reported little to no understanding of the use of AI in nursing. EFA supported a two-factor structure “Operational and Workforce Impact” and “Clinical Benefits” explaining 72.7% of the variance. CFA confirmed the model with good model fit indices and high internal consistency (Cronbach's α overall=0.94; subscales 0.92 and 0.89). A substantial proportion of nurses recognized AI's potential to enhance patient care, decision-making, and workflow efficiency, though 38.8% were reluctant to adopt AI personally. Conclusions: The validated scale demonstrated excellent psychometric properties in Kazakhstani context and has the potential to be used more broadly across the Central Asian region. While nurses exhibited positive perceptions of AI's clinical and operational benefits, gaps in specific knowledge suggest a need for targeted educational interventions.

Introduction. The outbreak of a new, previously unknown infection caused by a strain of the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus has become one of the challenges for public health in general and made its own adjustments to the lifestyle and private life of people dictated by coronavirus restrictions. At the same time, the population of the country had to adapt their behavior, including the decision to vaccinate, based on a large amount of information from various sources. The aim. Study the level of public confidence in various sources of information about COVID-19 in Kazakhstan in order to improve subsequent information campaigns. Materials and methods. Study design - cross-sectional, quota sampling, taking into account the distribution of gender, age, territory and type of residence in the general population of the Republic of Kazakhstan. Descriptive statistical analyses were applied. The relationship between source of information and social-demographic variables (age, sex, and vaccination status) was tested using t-test. Statistical significance was set at p=0.05. Results. The level of trust in most sources of information is rather low. The most trusted category is “consultations with healthcare professionals” (mean on a scale of 1 to 5 - 3.04, 95% confidence interval: 2.97 - 3.11). A low level of trust had such sources of information as “information from celebrities and influential people” - 2.08 (2.02-2.15), as well as “information from social networks such as Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Telegram, WhatsApp, Instagram” - 2.29 (2.23-2.36). Conclusion. The results of previous study showed that the effectiveness of communication in social networks involving famous people has its limitations. At the same time, the lack of trust that is common to almost all sources of information can undermine the efforts of public health professionals to communicate key messages to different population groups. During conducting information campaigns, it is necessary to look for ways to increase the trusting of important sources of information, as well as to segment the target audience depending on the trusting of them. Введение: Вспышка новой ранее неизвестной инфекции, вызванной одним из штаммов коронавируса SARS-CoV-2, стала одним из вызовов для общественного здравоохранения в целом и внесла свои коррективы в уклад и частную жизнь людей, продиктованных коронавирусными ограничениями. При этом населению страны пришлось адаптировать свое поведение, включая принятие решения о вакцинации, на основе большого объема информации из различных источников. Цель исследования: изучить уровень доверия населения к различным источникам информации о COVID-19 в Казахстане для улучшения последующих информационных кампаний. Материалы и методы: Дизайн исследования – поперечный, выборка квотная, с учетом распределения пола, возраста, территории и типа проживания в генеральной совокупности Республики Казахстан. Инструментом сбора данных являлся адаптированный опросник с валидизированными шкалами на русском и казахском языках. Были применены методы описательнойя статистики. T-test использовался для расчета p-значений и 95% доверительного интервала для связи между источником информации и половозрастными, поселенческими особенностями населения, а также статуса вакцинации и отношения к ним. Статистическая значимость была установлена на значении p=0,05. Результаты: Уровень доверия к большинству источников информации довольно низок. Наибольшим доверием пользуется категория “консультации с медицинскими работниками” (среднее значение по шкале от 1 до 5 - 3,04, 95% доверительный интервал: 2,97 - 3,11). Низкий уровень доверия имели такие источники информации как “информация от знаменитостей и влиятельных лиц” - 2,08 (2,02-2,15), а также “информация из социальных сетей, таких как, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Telegram, WhatsApp, Instagram” - 2,29 (2,23-2,36). Выводы: Результаты исследования показали, что эффективность коммуникации в социальных сетях с участием известных лиц имеют свои ограничения. При этом, недостаточный уровень доверия, характерный практически для всех источников информации, может подорвать усилия специалистов общественного здравоохранения по донесению ключевой информации различным группам населения. При проведении информационных...

Introduction: The rapid digitalization of society has led to a significant increase in screen time, raising concerns about its impact on public health. In Kazakhstan, limited research has been conducted on digital behaviour and its relationship with subjective health outcomes, particularly across different regions and levels of urbanization. This study aims to assess digital device usage patterns, the prevalence of digital overload symptoms, and their association with self-reported health among adults in four regions of Kazakhstan. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study surveyed 228 residents aged 20–65 from four regions of Kazakhstan (Almaty, Astana, Shymkent, and the rural village of Narynkol) using a structured paper-based questionnaire. The instrument covered digital device usage patterns, health complaints, and digital hygiene awareness. Statistical analysis included descriptive and multivariable logistic regression analyses. Results: High digital exposure was observed, with 89% of respondents reporting more than 4 hours of daily screen time. Common symptoms included eye fatigue, sleep disturbances, and neck pain (simultaneously reported by 102 respondents; 44.7%) and reduced physical activity (180; 78.9%). Males were less likely to report symptoms of digital fatigue (OR=0.28, p=0.008). Logistic regression showed that gender and region were significant predictors of self-rated health. Respondents from Astana and Almaty reported poorer subjective health compared to those from Shymkent (OR = 7.32, p<0.001; OR = 3.33, p< 0.05 respectively). Conclusion: Digital overload is a growing public health concern in Kazakhstan, especially in urban areas. The findings highlight the need for region-specific interventions to promote digital hygiene, reduce screen-related health risks, and raise awareness, particularly among women and users of multiple digital devices.

Introduction: Healthy lifestyle behaviours are essential for preventing noncommunicable diseases and improving population health. Rural populations often face disparities in access to health information and resources. This study examined the socio-demographic determinants of lifestyle behaviors, focusing on diet and physical activity, among adults in the rural Zhetisay district, Turkestan region, Kazakhstan. Methods: A pilot cross-sectional study was conducted among adult rural residents of the Zhetisay district, Turkestan region. Data were collected through an anonymous online questionnaire. The survey included questions on socio-demographic characteristics (age, gender, education level, employment and financial household status) and behavioural components of a healthy lifestyle, including physical activity, tobacco use, alcohol consumption, and dietary patterns. Descriptive and analytical statistical methods were used to analyze the data. Results: Participants were mostly aged 18–60 years (n=84, 82.4%), female (n=67, 65.7%), and had higher education (n=72, 70.6%). Most were employed (n=61, 59.8%) and financially comfortable (n=60, 58.8%). Alcohol and tobacco use were low, with 90.2% (n=92) reporting no alcohol consumption and 92.2% (n=94) identified as non-smokers. Dietary patterns showed moderate vegetable intake (36.3%, n=37 consuming ≥2 servings/day) but suboptimal fruit consumption (28.4%, n= 29 ≥2/day). Red meat was frequently consumed (70.6%, n=72 ≥3/week), while fish and seafood intake was low (14.7%, n=15 ≥3/week). Salt intake was high, with 41.2% (n=42) always adding salt to meals. Based on the Dietary Quality Score, 28.4% (n=29) of participants had good dietary quality, 52.0% (n=53) moderate, and 19.6% (n=20) poor diet quality. Physical activity levels were distributed as low in 30.1% (n=31), moderate in 36.3% (n= 37), and high in 33.6% (n=34) of participants. No significant associations were found between socio-demographics and either diet quality or physical activity (all p > 0.05). Conclusions: Among rural adults in Zhetisay, alcohol and tobacco use were minimal, physical activity was moderate, but dietary quality was suboptimal. Fruit and vegetable intake was low, red meat consumption frequent, and salt use high. Lifestyle behaviors were largely consistent across socio-demographic groups, suggesting the need for targeted interventions to improve diet quality while sustaining physical activity.