RESUMEN
BACKGROUND: To date, several questionnaires have been developed as easy-to-use screening tools for assessing and monitoring asthma control as the Asthma Control Test (ACT). However, the assessment of the reliability of the ACT questionnaire translated into the Kazakh language has not been carried out yet. The study aimed to evaluate the reliability and validity of the Kazakh-language ACT questionnaire as an asthma control tool. METHODS: A multi-centre study was conducted in three Kazakhstan medical institutions for the period: from 02.05.2022 to 06.05.2022. The study included 222 Kazakh patients (Kazakhs in the third generation) with a confirmed diagnosis of bronchial asthma. In this study, the ACT questionnaire translated into Kazakh was used to assess the level of asthma control. The form of asthma was determined in accordance with the recommendations of the Global Initiative on Asthma (GINA). The internal consistency of the questionnaire was analysed by using the reliability index (Cronbach's alpha). The clinical and demographic data were collected, including data on the spirometry. RESULTS: The Kazakhstani version of the ACT questionnaire showed high reliability, with Cronbach's alpha of 0.991. The majority of patients (87.4%) had controlled asthma. A significant difference was found in ACT scores between patients with a duration of asthma of 0-12 months and those with asthma for 10 years or more. Similarly, significant differences were found in ACT scores based on the severity of asthma and the age of the patients. CONCLUSIONS: The ACT questionnaire translated into Kazakh proved to be useful tools for assessing asthma control in the Kazakhstani population.
Asunto(s)
Asma , Humanos , Asma/diagnóstico , Kazajstán , Femenino , Encuestas y Cuestionarios , Masculino , Reproducibilidad de los Resultados , Adulto , Persona de Mediana Edad , Lenguaje , Adulto JovenRESUMEN
INTRODUCTION: Recognizing the importance of birth weight is fundamental to addressing public health challenges associated with maternal and child health. Birth weight serves as a critical indicator, offering insights into mortality, stunting, and the development of chronic diseases later in life. This study delves into fertility and infant mortality trends in Kazakhstan, with a specific focus on understanding urban-rural disparities and gender variations in mortality rates. OBJECTIVES: The primary objective of this study is to evaluate the influence of birth weight on infant mortality in Kazakhstan, considering demographic and regional nuances. Through comprehensive analysis, we aim to discern patterns and factors contributing to infant mortality, thereby informing targeted interventions and policies aimed at improving maternal and child health outcomes across the country. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The analysis was conducted using the data provided by the Republican State Enterprise on the PCV of the "Republican Centre for Electronic Health Care" of the Ministry of Health of Kazakhstan. RESULTS: In Kazakhstan, birth rates reached their zenith in 2021 (total 446,491 births). However, this figure experienced a downturn in 2022, declining to 403,893 births. Notably, urban regions consistently reported higher birth rates compared to rural areas. The year 2022 witnessed a decline in birth rates across both urban and rural populations, with decreases of 9.5% and 11.7%, respectively, compared to the previous year. Analysis using linear regression techniques on infant mortality rates spanning from 2017 to 2022 revealed no statistically significant time trend (slope=51.29, correlation coefficient=0.42, p=0.41). Gender-specific disparities in mortality rates were starkly evident, with boys exhibiting higher mortality rates compared to girls across all population subsets. Geographical analysis conducted in 2022 exposed significant divergences in mortality rates across various regions. CONCLUSIONS: The study highlights significant urban-rural disparities and gender differences in birth rates and infant mortality within Kazakhstan. It also confirms the protective effect of higher birth weight on infant mortality. Regional disparities suggest targeted public health interventions are necessary to address these variations effectively.