Background: Stigmatizing attitudes toward individuals with mental health conditions are common among healthcare professionals in primary healthcare (PHC) settings, posing a major barrier to early diagnosis, appropriate treatment, and recovery. Methods: This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the effectiveness of interventions aimed at reducing mental health-related stigma among PHC professionals (general practitioners, nurses, community health workers, and allied providers). Eligibility was restricted to interventional studies targeting PHC staff; non-clinical populations and students without clinical practice were excluded. Comparators included usual training, waitlist control, or pre–post evaluation. A systematic search of PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science was conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines, and the protocol was registered in PROSPERO (CRD420251074412). Results: Twenty-five studies met the inclusion criteria, of which three contributed to the quantitative synthesis. Interventions included educational, contact-based, and multicomponent approaches. Risk of bias was assessed using tools appropriate to study design. Interventions generally improved knowledge and attitudes and, to a lesser extent, behavioral intentions. Meta-analysis of pre–post changes using the Opening Minds Scale for Health Care Providers (OMS-HC) demonstrated a significant reduction in stigma (MD = −0.27, 95% CI −0.40 to −0.14; p < 0.001; I² = 91%). A difference-in-differences analysis of studies with intervention and control groups confirmed this effect with moderate heterogeneity (MD = −0.18, 95% CI −0.25 to −0.11; p < 0.0001; I² = 50%). Conclusions: Contact-based and multicomponent interventions were associated with stronger and more sustained effects. The main limitations of the evidence were short follow-up periods, reliance on self-reported outcomes, methodological heterogeneity, and the possibility of publication bias. Our findings suggest that reducing stigma among PHC professionals can enhance patient engagement, timely diagnosis, and quality of care in routine clinical practice.

The objective of this study was to evaluate effect of an Educational intervention on the number Potential Drug-Drug Interactions in the Emergency Hospital. The prevalence and structure of Major Drug-Drug Interactions at Emergency care Hospitals of Aktobe, Uralsk, Atyrau cities (Kazakhstan) were studied (pharmacoepidemiological, cross-sectional study). Educational interventions were developed and implemented to improve pharmacotherapy in the Cardiology Department of the Aktobe Emergency Hospital, followed by an assessment of their effect. The effect of educational interventions was revealed, which led to a significant decrease in the indicators of drug interactions of the Major Drug-Drug Interactions by 18.2% (OR: 0.45; 95% CI, 0.25-to-0.82) in the cardiological patients of the Emergency Care Hospital of Aktobe city compared to the Regional Cardiology Center of Uralsk. The implementation of educational pharmacotherapy programs decreased the number of clinically significant drug interactions in the Cardiology Department of Emergency Hospitals.

Kazakhstani researchers reported a significant prevalence of highly carcinogenic human papillomavirus types in the country. The article aimed to present HPV L1 gene sequencing developments in women affected with cervical cancer throughout the western part of Kazakhstan with provided findings on the geographic pathways of obtained isolates. Methods. The HPV L1 gene was amplified using the consensus primers MY09HPV 5’-CGTCCMARRGGAWACTGATC-3’ and MY11HPV 5’ – GCMCAGGGWCATAAYAATGG-3’. The purified DNA was used as the target for direct nucleotide sequencing. Phylogenetic analyses were conducted using the MegAlign program from the LASERGENE software package (version 6.0; DNA star, Madison, WI) and with MEGA version 5.0 software. A multiple alignment was created through Clustal W software, and the neighbor-joining method was used to construct the phylogenetic tree. Results. Of 70 HPV samples transported to the Astana shared laboratory for gene L1 sequencing, only ten appeared fit to obtain isolates (14.3%). The viral load of the samples ranged from 3.3 to 8.2, and the range of DNA concentration was from 8.16 to 69.6 ng/uL. HPV16 unique Kazakhstani isolate from Aktobe, having its own branch, and not yet registered in the world genebank, was revealed. An isolate of potentially carcinogenic HPV53 forming a remote cluster with KF436822/1, KU951264.1 - Southwest China, and 97% identity with EU056643.1 - Ireland, and acted as a single agent for invasive cervical cancer was identified. In general, the sequencing findings indicate the variety of ways for HPV pervasion into the western region of Kazakhstan: North and South America, Europe, and Asia. The study was recorded in the ISRCTN registry, No. 7154910, 02/01/2018.

Introduction: Suicide remains one of the leading causes of death worldwide and has a significant impact on public health. In Kazakhstan, as in other countries, suicide rates vary depending on age group, gender, and socio-economic factors. The analysis of data on mortality from self-harm in the age groups 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39 years and 40 years and older reveals the main trends and risk factors. Aim: To analyze suicide mortality in Kazakhstan in various age groups, to identify gender differences and time trends. Materials and methods: The study uses data from the Global Burden of Disease, GBD 2021, provided by the Institute for Health Indicators and Assessment (IHME). The data covers the period 2017-2021 and includes information on mortality by age group and gender. The analysis was carried out using a comparative statistical method, including an assessment of absolute mortality rates, the percentage of mortality and the dynamics of changes over the years. Results: The analysis showed that the highest mortality rate from suicide is observed in the age groups of 25-29 and 30-34 years, while in younger and older age categories the indicators are lower. Men show significantly higher mortality rates than women, which is consistent with global data. Time trends show fluctuations in mortality associated with socio-economic changes and crises. Conclusions: The highest suicide mortality rate was recorded among the age groups of 25-29 and 30-34 years. Men in Kazakhstan are significantly more likely to commit suicide than women. Time trends show fluctuations in the death rate, which requires further monitoring. Comprehensive measures are needed to reduce suicide rates, including the availability of psychological care and early intervention programs. The continuation of the study is necessary to analyze trends for 2022-2024. Введение: Суицид остается одной из ведущих причин смертности во всем мире и оказывает значительное влияние на общественное здоровье. В Казахстане, как и в других странах, уровень самоубийств варьируется в зависимости от возрастной группы, пола и социально-экономических факторов. Анализ данных о смертности от суицидов в возрастных группах 15–19, 20–24, 25–29, 30–34, 35–39 лет и 40 лет и старше позволяет выявить основные тенденции и факторы риска. Цель: Анализ смертности от суицидов в Казахстане в различных возрастных группах, определение половых различий и временных тенденций. Материалы и методы: В исследовании использованы данные Global Burden of Disease, GBD 2021, предоставленные Institute for Health Indicators and Assessment (IHME). Данные охватывают период 2017–2021 годов и включают информацию о смертности по возрастным группам и полу. Анализ проводился с использованием сравнительного статистического метода, включающего оценку абсолютных показателей смертности, процентного уровня летальности и динамики изменений по годам. Результаты: Анализ показал, что наибольший уровень смертности от суицидов наблюдается в возрастных группах 25–29 и 30–34 года, тогда как в более молодых и старших возрастных категориях показатели ниже. Мужчины демонстрируют значительно более высокие уровни смертности по сравнению с женщинами, что согласуется с мировыми данными. Временные тренды показывают колебания смертности, связанные с социально-экономическими изменениями и кризисами. Выводы: самый высокий уровень смертности от суицидов зафиксирован среди возрастных групп 25–29 и 30–34 года. Мужчины в Казахстане значительно чаще совершают суицид, чем женщины. Временные тренды показывают колебания уровня смертности, что требует дальнейшего мониторинга. Для снижения уровня суицидов необходимы комплексные меры, включая доступность психологической помощи и программы раннего вмешательства. Необходимо продолжение исследования для анализа тенденций за 2022–2024 годы. Кіріспе: Суицид – бүкіл әлемде өлімнің жетекші себептерінің бірі болып қала береді және қоғамдық денсаулыққа айтарлықтай әсерін тигізеді. Қазақстанда, басқа елдердегі сияқты, суицид деңгейі жас топтарына, жынысына және әлеуметтік-экономикалық факторларға байланысты өзгеріп отырады. 15–19, 20–24, 25–29, 30–34, 35–39 жас және 40 жастан...

Depression is a leading contributor to the global burden of diseases. Stigma associated with mental illness significantly hinders help-seeking, diagnosis, treatment, and recovery. While research on mental health stigma has expanded over the past two decades, a systematic examination of its evolution, particularly in the context of depression, is almost non-existent. To map and analyze global research on depression stigma, focusing on publication trends, leading contributors, international collaborations, and thematic developments. We analyzed 947 peer-reviewed articles indexed in the Scopus database using bibliometric software in R-studio. Quantitative indicators included annual publication growth, citation analysis, leading countries, institutions, and authors, as well as international collaboration patterns. Additionally, keyword co-occurrence and thematic evolution analyses were conducted to explore conceptual developments within the field. The number of publications steadily increased from 2013 to 2025. The United States, China, the UK, and Canada accounted for the highest research and citation impact, while contributions from low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) remained limited despite these regions carrying most of the global disease burden. Thematic mapping revealed a strong focus on clinical and psychosocial dimensions, with increasing attention to concepts such as resilience, social support, and the mental health effects of the COVID-19 pandemic in recent years. The volume of research on depression stigma has grown, yet significant geographical and conceptual disparities continue to persist. Strengthening collaboration, supporting LMIC research capacity, and integrating stigma reduction into global mental health frameworks are essential to achieving equitable mental health outcomes worldwide.

Introduction. Professionalism is a core competency that all medical students must achieve throughout their studies. Clinical knowledge, good communication skills and an understanding of ethics form the basis of professionalism. Patients, medical societies and accrediting organizations expect future specialists to be professionals in their field, which in turn leads to the best clinical results. Currently, there are no studies devoted to the study of medical professionalism in the Republic of Kazakhstan. As a result, medical education in the Kazakhstani system has a limited perception of the concept of professionalism compared to many Western medical schools. The aim of this study is to analyze the perception of medical professionalism among students and residents of family medicine at the West Kazakhstan Marat Ospanov Medical University. Methods. А qualitative research method was used based on the content analysis methodology. A focus group discussion was held with 30 students and 24 residents of family medicine to gather participants' views and experiences in the field of medical professionalism. The received information was processed using the MAXQDA-2020 software package. Respondents were selected for the study based on their age, gender, and educational level. Results. The results of the conducted survey confirmed the respondents’ acknowledgement of the basic attributes of professionalism, such as medical knowledge and skills (more than 40% of the answers), personal and moral qualities of the doctor (more than 25% of the answers), respect for the interests of the patient (15% of the answers), the relationship between the doctor and the patient and among professionals themselves (15% of responses). Another important discovery of the survey was that students are 5 times more likely to define the relationship between a doctor and a patient in a model “respect for the interests of the patient” in comparison with residents of family medicine, who primarily reported responsibility and collegiality to be the basis for the development of professionalism and traditionally view doctor-patient relationship to be formed on the basis of paternalism defined by high degree of control over patients. This significant difference demonstrates a rift among specialists in the field of family medicine, which causes a lot of problems. For example, nowadays, professional family doctors regularly face the burnout problem due to many reasons and factors that force them to abandon their jobs. In addition to that, elements of professionalism such as reflective skills, time management and feedback collection were presented to the least extent (less than 1%) by both groups, which differs from the perception of the Western medical school and is a significant issue that needs to be solved. Conclusion. The qualitative nature of our study provides a detailed understanding of medical professionalism in the context of the Central Asian healthcare system, revealing many aspects that are inferior to the Western medical school counterparts and provides a solution, which is to teach the attributes and skills required for medical professionalism at all stages of medical education of family doctors. Введение. Профессионализм - это основная компетенция, которую все студенты-медики должны достичь на протяжении всего обучения. Клинические знания, хорошие коммуникативные навыки и понимание этики составляют основу профессионализма. Пациенты, медицинские общества и аккредитующие организации ожидают, что будущие специалисты будут профессионалами своего дела, что, в свою очередь, приведет к наилучшему клиническому результату. В настоящее время в Республике Казахстан отсутствуют исследования, посвященные изучению медицинского профессионализма. В результате медицинское образование в казахстанской системе имеет ограниченное восприятие понятия профессионализма по сравнению со многими западными медицинскими школами. Цель исследования. Анализ восприятия медицинского профессионализма студентами и резидентами семейной медицины Западно-Казахстанского медицинского университета имени Марата Оспанова. Методы. Был использован качественный метод исследования, основанный на методологии контент-анализа. Было проведено обсуждение в фокус-группе с 30 студентами и 24 резидентами семейной медицины, чтобы собрать мнения и опыт участников в области медицинского профессионализма. Полученную информацию обрабатывали с помощью программного комплекса MAXQDA-2020. Респондентов для исследования отбирали по возрасту, полу и уровню образования. Результаты. Результаты проведенного опроса подтвердили признание респондентами основных столпов профессионализма, таких как медицинские знания и навыки...