Background/Objectives: This study aims to analyze antibiotic consumption trends from 2014 to 2023 in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Russia; forecast future trends up to 2030; and identify key social and economic factors influencing antibiotic use. Methods: Data on antibiotic consumption were obtained from the World Health Organization Regional Office for Europe Antimicrobial Consumption Network. Social and economic indicators were sourced from the World Bank DataBank. Of the 86 factors initially considered, 35 were included in the analyses. The forecast modeling of antibiotic consumption trends until 2030 and linear regression analysis to assess associations between antibiotic consumption and its predictors were conducted via SPSS. Results: The lowest antibiotic consumption rates were observed in Kazakhstan and Russia, whereas Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan presented higher rates. The projected antibiotic consumption rates are expected to decline only in Kazakhstan, with other countries remaining stable. Birth and death rates, as well as under-five mortality rates, were significant determinants of antibiotic consumption in Kazakhstan and Tajikistan. In Russia, per capita GDP was a key determinant, whereas in Kazakhstan, inflation in consumer prices played a significant role. Additionally, cereal production was significantly associated with antibiotic consumption in Kazakhstan. In Kyrgyzstan and Russia, measles immunization rates were important determinants, whereas in Kyrgyzstan, access to clean fuels and technologies for cooking was significantly associated with antibiotic consumption. Conclusions: The findings of this study provide valuable insights for strengthening antimicrobial stewardship programs by addressing key social and economic determinants of antibiotic use.

Background/Objectives: This study aimed to analyze the consumption of systemic antibacterials (WHO ATC J01) in primary care in Kazakhstan from 2017 to 2024 and to estimate the potential contribution of different primary care providers to the use of “Watch” and “Reserve” antibiotics. Methods: The Global Antimicrobial Resistance and Use Surveillance System methodology was applied to calculate defined daily doses per 1000 inhabitants per day (DID) for ATC J01 overall, as well as at ATC levels 3 and 5. Forecast modeling was performed using ARIMA (0,1,0), ARIMA (0,0,0), and Simple models to project trends through 2030. Pearson’s correlation was computed for each category of primary healthcare provider and each chemical agent belonging to the “Watch” and “Reserve” groups. Results: Antibiotic consumption increased by approximately 1.5 times in 2024 after remaining relatively stable from 2017 to 2023. The forecasts suggest that the share of “Access” group antibiotics will continue to decline, reaching 33.71% by 2030, whereas the share of “Watch” group antibiotics is expected to increase proportionally, reaching 65.73% by 2030. The per capita densities of primary care providers correlate with the consumption of certain “Watch” and “Reserve” group antibiotics. Conclusions: This study demonstrates that the primary care sector in Kazakhstan is characterized by a disproportionately high and increasing use of “Watch” antibiotics, a rising trend in “Reserve” antibiotic consumption, and a declining share of “Access” antibiotics. These findings highlight a need to prioritize stewardship interventions that target the reduction in “Watch” and “Reserve” antibiotics, while promoting the use of “Access” antibiotics.

Background: In 2023, tuberculosis (TB) caused 1.25 million deaths globally, remaining a leading infectious killer. Central Asia and Southern Caucasus face high TB burdens, particularly Mongolia. This review synthesizes TB prevalence data and diagnostic capabilities in these regions to support public health strategies. Methods: This systematic review aimed to synthesize current data on TB prevalence in Central Asia, Southern Caucasus, and Mongolia to support public health strategies and research priorities. A comprehensive search of PubMed and Google Scholar was conducted for English-language articles published up to 2023. Studies were assessed using a modified Newcastle–Ottawa Scale. Nine studies met the inclusion criteria, covering Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Mongolia, Georgia, Armenia, and Azerbaijan. Results: TB incidence ranged from 67 per 100,000 in Kazakhstan to 190 per 100,000 in Kyrgyzstan, with the highest prevalence of 68.5% in Mongolia. TB affected men more frequently (65.3%), and the key risk factors included HIV (30.5%), comorbidities, and undernutrition. Diagnostic performance varied significantly (microscopy sensitivity, 45–65%; GeneXpert MTB/RIF, 89–96% sensitivity and 98% specificity for rifampicin resistance). Diagnostic turnaround times ranged from hours (molecular) to weeks (conventional). Only 58% of TB facilities had GeneXpert technology, with urban–rural disparities in diagnostic access. Drug-resistant TB imposed a significant economic burden, with treatment costs ranging from USD 106 to USD 3125. Conclusions: Strengthening surveillance, improving data collection, and conducting longitudinal studies are essential for designing effective TB control strategies in these regions. Significant diagnostic gaps persist across these regions, especially with regard to drug-resistant strains. Point-of-care molecular diagnostics, improved algorithms, and expanded laboratory training show promise. Future research should focus on rapid biomarker-based diagnostics, field-deployable technologies for settings with limited resources, and AI integration to enhance diagnostic accuracy and efficiency.

Background/Objectives: Despite a wide range of international studies examining antibiotic prescribing practices among physicians, research from Central Asia remains scarce. To address this gap, the present study aimed to investigate antibiotic resistance awareness and prescribing practices among general practitioners (GPs) in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan. Methods: The online questionnaire was completed by 1231 GPs, including 469 from Kazakhstan, 274 from Kyrgyzstan, 369 from Uzbekistan, and 119 from Tajikistan. Results: Most physicians (71.1%) acknowledged that their antibiotic prescribing behavior influences the development of antibiotic resistance in their regions. More than half reported discussing antibiotic resistance with their patients often or very often. However, the strategy of delayed antibiotic prescribing was unknown to 27.1% of GPs. Factors associated with good knowledge of indications for antibiotic prescribing included female sex, older age, working in Uzbekistan, practicing in urban areas, seeing 20 or more patients per day, and use of practice guidelines. Clinical practice guidelines were the most frequently reported source of current information on antibiotic therapy and resistance (20.4%), followed by continuing professional education (15.9%) and textbooks (14.1%). The vast majority of GPs (94.4%) indicated a need for additional information resources to support more rational antibiotic prescribing. The most commonly cited needs were higher-quality clinical practice guidelines (22.5%) and better access to existing guidelines (17.7%). Conclusions: These findings suggest that, despite generally high awareness of antibiotic resistance, important knowledge gaps remain among GPs in Central Asia. Strengthening access to clinical guidelines and continuing professional education may support more rational antibiotic prescribing.

Background: Papulopustular dermatoses such as acne, rosacea, perioral dermatitis, demodicosis folliculitis, due to their high prevalence in the population, are a very urgent problem. Taking into account the localization of these dermatoses on the face and socially active age of patients, the consequence of disease development can be a significant reduction in the quality of life - social and professional contacts are disrupted, neurotic disorders and depression often develop. Aim. To conduct a sociological study on the level of awareness of the disease demodecosis among the population, methods of infection and prevention of the disease. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted among the population of Semey to assess awareness of demodicosis. The study was conducted by electronic questionnaire. A total of 128 residents between the ages of 18 and 50 were interviewed. The questionnaire included questions about knowledge of the disease, probability of infection, effectiveness of preventive measures, readiness to observe them, and preferred sources of information. An integrated assessment was made and the priorities of individual sources of information were determined with the calculation of their specific weight. Results: According to the results of the survey, only 37.5% (n=48) of the respondents had heard of the disease demodicosis. Only 22.4% (n=28) of the surveyed population have information about preventive measures, of which 42.4% (n=28) adhere to preventive methods. The respondents indicated the following sources of information about the disease: visits to a cosmetologist and dermatologist, as well as Internet resources. Conclusion: A sociological survey of Semey residents on the awareness of the prevalence of demodicosis disease indicates a low level of knowledge and prevention measures. It is necessary to more persistently bring to the attention of citizens information about effective measures to prevent this dermatological disease. Введение. Папулопустулезные дерматозы, такие как акне, розацеа, периоральный дерматит, демодекозный фолликулит, в связи с их широкой распространенностью в популяции являются весьма актуальной проблемой. Учитывая локализацию данных дерматозов на лице и социально активный возраст больных, последствием развития заболевания может быть существенное снижение качества жизни – нарушаются общественные и профессиональные контакты, часто развиваются невротические расстройства и депрессии. Цель исследования. Провести социологическое исследование по определению уровеня информированности о заболевании Демодекоз среди населения, о способах заражения и профилактики заболевания. Материалы и методы исследования: Было проведено поперечное исследование среди населения г.Семей для оценки осведомленности о демодекозе. Исследование проводилось методом электронного анкетирования. Было опрошено 128 жителей в возрасте от 18 до 50 лет. Анкета включала вопросы о знании об этом заболевании, вероятности заражения, эффективности мер профилактики, готовности их соблюдать, предпочитаемых источниках информации. Проведена интегрированная оценка и определены приоритеты отдельных источников информации с расчетом их удельного веса. Результаты: По итогам анкетирования, только 37,5% (n=48) респондентов слышали о заболевании демодекоз. Владеют информацией о мерах профилактики всего 22,4% (n=28) опрошенного населения, из них 42,4% (n=28) придерживаются методов профилактики данного заболевания. Источниками информации о заболевании демодекоз респонденты указали: посещение косметолога и дерматолога, а также интернет ресурсы. Вывод: Социологический опрос жителей г.Семей об информированности по вопросам распространенности заболевания демодекоз свидетельствует о низком уровне знаний и мер профилактики. Необходимо более настойчиво доводить до сведения граждан информацию об эффективных мерах профилактики данного дерматологического заболевания. Кіріспе. Безеу, розацея, периоральды дерматит, демодекозды фолликулит сияқты папулопустулярлы дерматоздар тұрғындар арасында кең таралғандықтан, өте өзекті мәселе болып табылады. Бұл дерматоздардың бетте локализациясын және пациенттердің...

Background: Unused and expired medicines pose both environmental and epidemiological risks, particularly when improperly disposed of by the public. Leading countries have implemented various models for the collection and safe disposal of pharmaceutical waste to mitigate harm to human health and the environment. This article presents a comparative analysis of international strategies for household medicine disposal, focusing on regulatory frameworks, public behavior, and program effectiveness. The need for systematic approaches in countries lacking established practices is emphasized. Objective. To compare international models of household medicine disposal, identify effective practices, regulatory approaches, and key challenges, and assess their relevance to public health and environmental safety. Search strategy. A targeted search of scientific and official literature was conducted for the period 2019–2025. Sources included PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar, as well as materials from international organizations (WHO, European Commission, OECD), national health authorities, and environmental agencies. The selection focused on peer-reviewed articles, regulatory documents, and analytical reports containing information on household medicine disposal practices, government policies, citizen involvement, and environmental impacts. Results and conclusions. Many countries have implemented government or pharmacy-based drug return programs. Their effectiveness depends on regulation and public engagement. In developing regions, such systems are lacking, increasing environmental risks. Structured medicine disposal is essential for health and environmental safety. Adapting successful international models is necessary where such systems are underdeveloped. Введение: Неиспользованные и просроченные лекарственные средства представляют экологическую и эпидемиологическую угрозу, особенно в условиях их неправильной утилизации населением. Ведущие страны мира внедряют различные модели сбора и обезвреживания фармацевтических отходов, направленные на минимизацию вреда здоровью и окружающей среде. Настоящая статья представляет сравнительный анализ международных стратегий утилизации лекарств на уровне населения, рассматривает нормативные подходы, поведение граждан и эффективность программ. Обоснована необходимость внедрения системного подхода в странах, где такая практика не развита. Цель. Сравнить зарубежные модели утилизации лекарственных средств на уровне населения, выявить эффективные практики, нормативные подходы и ключевые проблемы, а также оценить их значение для охраны здоровья и окружающей среды. Стратегия поиска. Для проведения обзора был осуществлён целенаправленный поиск научной и официальной литературы за период 2019–2025 годов. Использовались базы данных PubMed, Scopus и Google Scholar, а также материалы международных организаций (ВОЗ, Европейская комиссия, ОЭСР), национальных агентств здравоохранения и экологических платформ. Отбор включал рецензируемые статьи, нормативно-правовые документы и аналитические отчёты, содержащие данные о практике утилизации лекарств населением, государственном регулировании, вовлечённости граждан и экологических последствиях. Результаты и выводы. Во многих странах действуют государственные или аптечные программы возврата лекарств от населения. Эффективность обеспечивается нормативной базой и участием граждан. В развивающихся странах такие системы развиты слабо, что увеличивает экологические риски. Системная утилизация лекарств — важный компонент охраны здоровья и экологии. Необходима адаптация успешных международных практик в странах с недостаточно развитой инфраструктурой. Кіріспе: Пайдаланылмаған және мерзімі өткен дәрілік заттар халық тарапынан дұрыс жойылмаған жағдайда, экологиялық және эпидемиологиялық қауіп тудырады. Әлемнің дамыған елдері дәрі-дәрмек қалдықтарын жинау мен қауіпсіз түрде жою бойынша әртүрлі үлгілерді енгізуде, бұл қоғамдық денсаулық пен қоршаған ортаны қорғауға бағытталған. Бұл мақалада тұрғындар деңгейінде дәрілік заттарды кәдеге...