The Assessment of the Nutritional Status among the Young-Old and Old-Old Population with Alimentary-Dependent Diseases.

Background and Objectives: Unhealthy nutrition can contribute to the development or progression of various alimentary-dependent diseases, including obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus, metabolic syndrome, anaemia, and arterial hypertension. Young-old and old-old individuals often have diets deficient in essential vitamins, minerals, and macronutrients, characterized by high consumption of carbohydrate-rich foods and insufficient intake of plant-based products like vegetables and fruits. This study aims to identify key parameters of nutritional status among the young-old (aged 60-74 years) and old-old (aged 75-90 years) populations in central Kazakhstan, particularly in relation to specific alimentary-dependent diseases. Materials and Methods: The study involved 300 participants aged 60-90 years. The study incorporated a dietary questionnaire, food consumption records (such as 24 h recalls), and measurements of anthropometric indicators including weight and skinfold measurements. Results: Residents in the surveyed regions typically consumed food 3-4 times daily, with breakfast, lunch, and dinner being eaten at consistent times. A significant proportion of individuals, especially older adults, followed this meal schedule. About one-third ate before bedtime, and more than half believed they adhere to a specific diet. The mean BMI for men aged 60-74 years was 28.3 (95% CI: 20.1-43.2) and, for those aged 75-90 years, it was 29.0 (95% CI: 22.1-40.8). Caloric intake among individuals aged 60-74 was higher compared to those aged 75-90, with males consuming an average of 2372.7 kcal and females consuming 2236.78 kcal versus 2101.5 kcal for males and 2099.9 kcal for females in the older age group. Conclusions: The dietary patterns observed among old-old individuals were marked by excessive calorie intakes and imbalances in macronutrient composition, with a predominant emphasis on high-carbohydrate foods at the expense of essential nutrients like proteins, fats, and key vitamins (such as C, E, B vitamins) and minerals (such as potassium, calcium, and iron).

The Role of Climatic, Environmental and Socioeconomic Factors in the Natural Movement of Urban Populations in Kazakhstan, 2012-2020: An Analysis from a Middle-Income Country in Central Asia.

BACKGROUND: This study addresses the importance of identifying key characteristics influencing demographic indicators for urban populations, emphasizing the need to consider regional climatic features and ecological factors. The research utilized data from ten main regional cities across the Republic of Kazakhstan. METHODS: This study involved a retrospective analysis based on secondary data from official sources spanning 2012-2020. We employed correlation analysis and multidimensional regression models. RESULTS: Noteworthy predictors for crude birth rate included the influence of effective temperature (ß = 0.842, p < 0.0001), marriage rate (ß = 0.780, p < 0.0001), Gini coefficient (ß = -27.342, p = 0.020) and divorce rate (ß = -2.060, p < 0.0001), with overall strong model performance (R2 = 0.940). The degree of atmospheric pollution (ß = -0.949, p = 0.044), effective temperature (ß = -0.294, p < 0.0001) and Gini coefficient (ß = 19.923, p = 0.015) were the predictors for crude mortality rate, with a high model fit (R2 = 0.796). CONCLUSIONS: The study unveils significant relationships between demographic indicators (crude birth rate, mortality rate) and variables like effective temperature, marriage rate, divorce rate, Gini coefficient, physician density and others. This analysis of climatic, environmental, and socioeconomic factors influencing demographic indicators may help in promoting specific measures to address public health issues in Kazakhstan.