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Mental health

Research Finds Disparities in Dementia Care in Kazakhstan

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

A new study published in Aging & Mental Health has investigated the knowledge, practices, and perceptions of General Practitioners (GPs) regarding early diagnosis and management of dementia in urban and rural areas of Kazakhstan. The research, led by the Public Health Department, found significant disparities in GPs' training and support needs between the two regions. The study's findings suggest that targeted interventions, such as enhanced training and improved support systems, are essential to address these disparities and better support GPs in providing quality dementia care.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study aimed to compare GPs' knowledge, practices, and perceptions regarding early diagnosis and management of dementia in urban and rural areas of Kazakhstan.
  • A cross-sectional study was conducted in 2024-2025 using a structured questionnaire in Kazakh and Russian, which was reliable with a Cronbach's alpha of 0.918.
  • The study found that GPs in rural areas had lower knowledge and training needs compared to their urban counterparts.
  • The study concluded that targeted interventions, such as enhanced training and improved support systems, are essential to address the disparities and better support GPs in providing quality dementia care.
  • The study's findings have implications for healthcare policy and intervention in Kazakhstan, highlighting the need for targeted support for GPs in rural areas.
  • The research highlights the importance of addressing disparities in dementia care in Kazakhstan, where the prevalence of dementia is increasing.
  • The study's authors include Marzhan Brimzhanova, Saltanat Byltash, Ainur Yeshmanova, Anuar Akhmetzhan, and Lyazzat Kosherbayeva from the Public Health Department and Kazakh Medical University.

Statistics:

  • The study was conducted in 2024-2025, with data collected anonymously via Google Forms with support from local health authorities.
  • The questionnaire was reliable and analyzed using chi-squared tests.
  • The sample size was 384 physicians, with two reminder notifications sent to aid recruitment.
  • The study found significant disparities in GPs' training and support needs between urban and rural areas.
  • The prevalence of dementia is increasing in Kazakhstan, with significant implications for healthcare policy and intervention.
  • The study's findings have implications for healthcare policy and intervention in Kazakhstan, highlighting the need for targeted support for GPs in rural areas.

Sources:

  • "General practitioners' practices and training needs in dementia care: a comparison of urban and rural areas in Kazakhstan." Aging & Mental Health, 2025:1-10.
  • NewsRx. Research Conducted at Public Health Department Has Provided New Information about Dementia (General practitioners' practices and training needs in dementia care: a comparison of urban and rural areas in Kazakhstan). Mental Health Weekly Digest. October 13, 2025; p 809.

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