Impact of Joint Commission International (JCI) Accreditation on Patient Satisfaction with Outpatient Departments: Comparative Cross-Sectional Study in Astana, Kazakhstan Kaisar Kudabayev, Aigul Ismailova, Kenesh Dzhusupov, Oxana Tsigengagel, Yerlan Naubetov, et al. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 2026 The current study aimed to examine whether Joint Commission International (JCI) accreditation is associated with higher patient satisfaction. A cross-sectional, questionnaire-based comparative study was conducted between April and July 2025 in outpatient departments of one JCI-accredited hospital (University Medical Center) and two nationally accredited public polyclinics in Astana, Kazakhstan. The questionnaire was designed to assess satisfaction across four domains: communication, staff responsiveness, hospital environment, and perceived quality of care. The patients attending the JCI-accredited hospital demonstrated significantly higher satisfaction across all domains compared to those of nationally accredited hospitals (p < 0.01). The largest difference was observed in staff responsiveness. In the multivariable regression analysis, the accreditation status emerged as the strongest independent predictor of overall patient satisfaction score (β = 0.42; 95% CI: 0.31–0.53; p < 0.001), even after adjusting for age, gender, education, employment status, and prior hospital visits. Education level and previous hospital experience were modest yet statistically significant predictors, whereas age, gender, and employment status were not significant in the adjusted analyses. JCI accreditation was associated with higher patient satisfaction scores in outpatient care settings, indicating a positive relationship between accreditation status and patient-centered outcomes.
TRENDS IN THE PREVALENCE AND GLOBAL BURDEN OF MUSCULOSKELETAL DISEASES AMONG ADULTS: A NARRATIVE LITERATURE REVIEW OF THE PAST 10 YEARS Georgian Medical News, 2026
Cross-sectional study of maternal iodine nutrition and salt iodization in Kyrgyzstan: urban–rural and socioeconomic factors Iuliia Chyngyshpaeva, Zhyparkul Derbishalieva, Zhokhongir Dzhaliev, Don Eliseo Lucero-Prisno, Kenesh Dzhusupov International Health, 2026 Background Iodine deficiency remains a public health concern, especially among vulnerable populations such as pregnant women. Despite global efforts to address iodine deficiency disorders (IDDs) through universal salt iodization programs, gaps in coverage and effectiveness persist in countries like Kyrgyzstan. This study evaluated the iodine status of pregnant women and the effectiveness of Kyrgyzstan's national salt iodization program. We investigated sociodemographic factors associated with iodine deficiency. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted in Kyrgyzstan. Urine and salt samples were collected from a stratified random sample of 388 pregnant women to measure urinary iodine concentration (UIC) and iodine concentration in salt (ICS). Descriptive statistics, t tests and logistic regression were used. Results Most salt samples had adequate ICS levels. Median UIC levels were adequate, but a significant share of insufficient UIC levels indicated widespread iodine deficiency. Urban residents showed higher UIC and ICS levels. Higher education and income levels were associated with better iodine status. Ethnic differences in UIC and ICS levels were observed. Conclusions Despite Kyrgyzstan's salt iodization program's success, iodine deficiency remains prevalent among pregnant women, particularly in rural and lower-income groups. Targeted public health interventions, monitoring and tailored strategies are essential to improve iodine intake and reduce IDDs in these populations.
Burden of cystic and alveolar echinococcosis in the Kyrgyz Republic Gulnara Minbaeva, Nelya Akhunbaeva, Kalis Nogoibaeva, Vera Toygombaeva, Kenesh Dzhusupov, et al. Plos Neglected Tropical Diseases, 2026 The purpose of this study is to assess some aspects of the burden of cystic and alveolar echinococcosis in the Kyrgyz Republic. From 2015-2020 a total of 5568 cases of primary cystic echinococcosis (CE) were reported and a further 1008 recurrent cases. Over the same time period 880 primary cases of primary alveolar echinococcosis (AE) were reported and a further 343 recurrent cases. The estimated DALYs for CE was 7849, that is 1308 per annum or 19.5 per 100,000 per annum. For AE was there were 3809 DALYs, that is 634 per annum or 9.5 per 100,000 per annum. The proportion of fatal cases of AE was 3.6 times higher than from CE. The total economic damage in terms of purchasing power equivalent (PPE) from CE amounted to more than 10,5 million international US dollars. For AE it amounted to more than 5.1 million international US dollars. Most of the financial burden falls on the patients themselves and amounts to 68.4%, i.e., 1223 PPE dollars per case out of total spending 1615 PPE dollars per case. To reduce the social and economic burden of echinococcosis, it is necessary to timely identify the disease, prevent the development of complications and multiple lesions, and promote preventive chemotherapy where appropriate. A deep understanding of the etiology, epidemiology, clinical manifestations, and tactics of early diagnosis of various forms of echinococcosis is also important for timely detection, effective control, and, most importantly, the organization of preventive measures to combat this disease.
Antibiotic Resistance Awareness and Prescribing Behavior Among General Practitioners in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan Yuliya Semenova, Kamila Akhmetova, Shakhnoza Rakhmatullaeva, Makhbuba Muminova, Dilafruz Fakhriddinova, et al. Antibiotics, 2026 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.
Enhancing educational and research capacities in nutrition and dietetics across central Asian universities Kenesh Dzhusupov, Manuela Konrad, Theresa Draxler, Indrani Kalkan, Anna Auer, et al. Turkish Journal of Public Health, 2026 Central Asia faces critical nutritional challenges, including high rates of micronutrient deficiencies and rising diet-related non-communicable diseases. Addressing these issues requires significant enhancements in nutritional education and research capacities. The “Building Educational and Research Capacities in Nutrition and Dietetics in Central Asia” (BERNICA) project aims to enhance educational and research infrastructure in Nutrition and Dietetics (N&D) across Central Asian universities. The project established a robust management framework, engaging stakeholders and setting up monitoring and evaluation systems. Capacity building was achieved through training programs and upgrading laboratory facilities. Central Asian lecturers, trained by dietetics and online learning design experts, developed and implemented innovative, region-specific curricula and online courses in N&D. The project successfully established structured implementation, enhancing the expertise of 32 lecturers from 8 universities in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. Modern equipment improved institutional capacities. Lecturers developed new teaching modules with innovative learning scenarios, tailored to local health needs. Early feedback indicated positive impacts on student engagement and learning outcomes. The BERNICA project significantly advanced nutritional education in Central Asia by integrating innovative educational practices and improving research capabilities. Future directions include developing regional nutritional standards, scaling initiatives, and ensuring sustainable long-term impacts
QUALITY AND ACCESSIBILITY OF REHABILITATION IN OBLITERATING ATHEROSCLEROSIS OF THE LOWER EXTREMITY ARTERIES: A CROSS-SECTIONAL SURVEY OF PHYSICIANS Georgian Medical News, 2025
Culture conversion at 6 months in patients receiving delamanid-containing regimens for the treatment of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis KJ Seung, P Khan, MF Franke, S Ahmed, S Aiylchiev, M Alam, FA Putri, ... Clinical Infectious Diseases 71 (2), 415-418 , 2020 2020 Citations: 30
Setting up pharmacovigilance based on available endTB Project data for bedaquiline N Lachenal, C Hewison, C Mitnick, N Lomtadze, S Coutisson, E Osso, ... The International Journal of Tuberculosis and Lung Disease 24 (10), 1087-1094 , 2020 2020 Citations: 14
MOST CITED SCHOLAR PUBLICATIONS
Culture conversion at 6 months in patients receiving delamanid-containing regimens for the treatment of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis KJ Seung, P Khan, MF Franke, S Ahmed, S Aiylchiev, M Alam, FA Putri, ... Clinical Infectious Diseases 71 (2), 415-418 , 2020 2020 Citations: 30
Setting up pharmacovigilance based on available endTB Project data for bedaquiline N Lachenal, C Hewison, C Mitnick, N Lomtadze, S Coutisson, E Osso, ... The International Journal of Tuberculosis and Lung Disease 24 (10), 1087-1094 , 2020 2020 Citations: 14
