Changing Food Consumption and Nutrition Intake in Kazakhstan

Sex differentials in the prevalence of behavioral risk factors and non-communicable diseases in adult populations of West Kazakhstan

Introduction

The prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) is increasing worldwide. Several modifiable risk factors, such as smoking, alcohol drinking, physical inactivity, and obesity, have been linked to the development of NCDs in both genders. Understanding the prevalence of these risk factors and their associated factors is crucial for effective intervention planning in adult populations. This study aimed to provide an overview of the prevalence and associated factors of these risk behaviors among different genders of adults in West Kazakhstan.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted in four regions of West Kazakhstan. A stratified multistage sampling technique was utilized to obtain a representative sample size of 4,800 participants aged 18 -69 years. Trained researchers administered face-to-face interviews using validated questionnaires to gather information pertaining to sociodemographic characteristics, smoking habits, alcohol drinking, dietary patterns, physical activity levels, body mass index (BMI), and prevalent diseases.

Results

This study, which included 4,800 participants from West Kazakhstan, revealed some striking numerical findings. The overall prevalence rates of behavioral risk factors and metabolic conditions were as follows: smoking was 13.6% (95%CI: 3.2-24.0%), alcohol drinking was 47.0% (27.7-66.3%), current obesity was 22.3% (9.0-35.6%), and physical inactivity was 80.7% (55.4-106.0%). In addition, the overall prevalence rates of metabolic conditions were 25.6% (11.3-39.9%) for hypertension, 7.5% (0.2-15.2%) for diabetes, 11.8% (2.1-21.5%) for high cholesterol, and 13.0% (2.8-23.2%) for cardiovascular diseases. Additionally, a higher prevalence of high cholesterol was observed in men, and a greater prevalence of heart disease was identified in women. Multinomial logistic regression revealed that physical inactivity was associated with hypertension, diabetes, and heart disease, while obesity was linked to hypertension, high cholesterol, and heart disease.

Discussion

This study in West Kazakhstan identified variations in the prevalence of behavioral risk factors and NCDs, highlighting gender, age, and regional disparities. Notably, men showed higher rates of smoking and alcohol drinking, while women exhibited a greater prevalence of physical inactivity and obesity. Gender and regional differences were evident, with the West Kazakhstan region standing out for distinct patterns. Tailored interventions are crucial to address these disparities and enhance public health in the region.

Fish and Seafood Safety: Human Exposure to Toxic Metals from the Aquatic Environment and Fish in Central Asia

Toxic metals that are released into aquatic environments from natural and anthropogenic sources are absorbed by aquatic organisms and may threaten the health of both aquatic organisms and humans. Despite this, there have been limited studies on the metal concentrations in fish and humans in Central Asia. This study summarizes the presence of the toxic metals arsenic (As), mercury (Hg), cadmium (Cd), and lead (Pb) in aquatic bodies, fish, and seafood products and conducts a risk assessment. While certain areas show a notable increase in fish and seafood consumption, the overall intake in Central Asia remains below recommended levels. However, in regions with high fish consumption, there is a potential for elevated exposure to toxic metals, especially Hg. The risk of exposure to toxic metals in fish and seafood in Central Asia emerges as a significant concern. Comprehensive monitoring, regulation, and remediation efforts are imperative to ensure the safety of water sources and food consumption in the region. Public awareness campaigns and the establishment of dietary guidelines play a crucial role in minimizing the health risks associated with consumption.

Spatial Differences of Nutrient Adequacy in Coastal Areas of China

Ensuring nutrient adequacy for all is a common goal of the international community, but spatial difference is one of the barriers to its development. Exploring nutrient adequacy in coastal areas of China can help regions where food production systems and economic development systems are under mutual stress to reduce nutritional disparities and improve nutrition levels. This paper used the transformation food-to-nutrient model to calculate nutrient production and nutrient consumption in 11 coastal provinces of China and analyzed their spatial patterns, after which spatial differences in nutrient adequacy (including energy, protein and fat) were analyzed. The results showed that nutrient production and nutrient consumption in coastal areas of China showed significant spatial differences, in which nutrient production was mainly concentrated in land food, and the three provinces of Shandong, Jiangsu and Hebei contributed more. Guangdong had the highest nutrient consumption; in contrast, Shanghai, Tianjin, and Hainan had the lowest consumption. Nutrient adequacy was not optimistic, with fat being particularly significant, and nutrient surplus quantity was mainly concentrated in Shandong and Jiangsu and nutrient deficiency quantity was mainly concentrated in Guangdong. Overall, the study area had adequate levels of protein and was deficient in energy and fat levels, with surplus or shortage of 2.41 million tonnes, 2620 billion kcal and 9.97 million tonnes, respectively.

The Changing Dynamics of Kazakhstan’s Fisheries Sector: From the Early Soviet Era to the Twenty-First Century

Kazakhstan, a former Soviet republic that is now independent, lies near the center of arid Eurasia. Its sparse hydrographic network includes a small number of large rivers, lakes, and reservoirs, many ponds and smaller streams, as well as littoral zones bordering the Caspian Sea and the Aral Sea. A diverse fisheries sector, initially based on wild fish capture and later including aquaculture, developed in these waters during the Soviet era, when animal agriculture was unable to meet the protein needs of Soviet citizens. The sector, which was originally centered on the Volga–Caspian basin, was tightly managed by Moscow and benefitted from coordinated investments in research, infrastructure, and human resources, as well as policies to increase the consumption of fish products. Independence in 1991 administered a political and economic shock that disrupted these relationships. Kazakhstan’s wild fish harvests plummeted by more than two-thirds, and aquaculture collapsed to just 3% of its previous level. Per capita consumption of fish products also declined, as did processing capacity. Favorable recent policies to define fishing rights, incentivize investments, prevent illegal fishing, and make stocking more effective have helped to reverse these trends and stabilize the sector. Continued recovery will require additional steps to manage water resources sustainably, prioritize the use of water for fish habitats, and minimize the effects of climate change. This comprehensive assessment of Kazakhstan’s fisheries sector over the past century provides the basis to understand how long-term dynamic interactions of the environment with the political economy influence fisheries in Eurasia’s largest country.