CURRENT ISSUE

ABSTRACT: Epidemiology & Health Data Insights is a new brand international, open-access, peer-reviewed journal dedicated to advancing the science and practice of epidemiology through the integration of health data science. Our mission is to bridge traditional epidemiological methods with modern analytical approaches to address pressing global health challenges. By providing a platform for multidisciplinary collaboration, the journal supports evidence-based solutions that improve public health outcomes, promote equity, and guide healthcare policies.

ABSTRACT: The burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), particularly cancer, is steadily increasing in Kazakhstan alongside socioeconomic development, highlighting the urgent need for effective national management and control strategies. The Electronic Registry of Oncological Patients (EROP) is a key initiative designed to support this goal by enabling comprehensive surveillance of cancer patients across the country. This review examines the patient journey that informs EROP’s data collection process and explores its potential as a foundation for local cancer epidemiology research. Analysis of the registry reveals extensive coverage of dispensary, outpatient, and inpatient visits, capturing detailed socio-demographic information, diagnoses, treatments, and mortality outcomes. EROP provides valuable insights into cancer morbidity, mortality, and quality of life across spatial and temporal dimensions in Kazakhstan. The review also addresses current limitations and underexplored aspects of the registry, emphasizing the importance of careful interpretation to ensure robust, evidence-based research.

ABSTRACT: Notwithstanding notable advancements in occupational health and safety over the past century, occupational injuries and illnesses occur frequently worldwide. Mining is among the highest-risk occupational environments, exposing workers to acute and chronic health problems. This narrative review explores research evidence of different mining-related hazards, with a special focus on asbestos exposure. Mineworkers more commonly face biological, chemical, physical, ergonomics, and psychological hazards than other industries. Exposure to respiratory particles like silica and coal dust contributes to respiratory diseases like pneumoconiosis, silicosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and other lung diseases. Due to the physically demanding nature of the work and poor ergonomics, the risk of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) occurring in soft tissues and surrounding body structures is high in mineworkers. Despite technological advancement and safety precautions, the mining industry remains a high-risk workplace with disproportionately higher rates of occupational injuries. Routine exposure to carcinogens results in a high risk of stomach and lung cancers. Chrysotile is the most used asbestos in the mining industry, causing asbestosis and mesothelioma. While some countries have introduced regulations to limit or phase out the use of asbestos, asbestos is still used in many countries. Studies are warranted to investigate the immediate and long-term health effects and potential risk factors. Essential preventive measures, consistent enforcement of safety standards, and accessible healthcare are essential to ensure overall well-being.

ABSTRACT: The measure of association in observational studies is often prone to misinterpretation, further necessitating a discussion of methodological challenges. Understanding the underlying causes and proposing proper steps may help prevent such issues in the literature. This article provides straightforward explanations of terminology and a decision tree to select appropriate measures and accurate interpretations.

ABSTRACT: Aim: To examine all-cause mortality predictors among lab indicators and drugs administered to stroke patients in Kazakhstan.
Methods: This retrospective study analyzed data from 272 patient records derived from the UNEHS database (2014-2019). The GPT-4o model was used to dissect the records and assist in the extraction of lab and medication data; other clinical and demographic data were derived from the previous study [6]. Statistical analyses included univariate, multivariate, and imputed multivariate logistic regressions (STATA version 16.1).    
Results: In our cohort, deceased patients were older (66.1 vs. 58.6, p < 0.0001). Adjusted logistic regression revealed age (OR 1.04), hemoglobin (OR 0.97), and piracetam (OR 3.17) as independent predictors. After multiple imputation, Russian ethnicity (OR 2.79), PTI (OR 0.97), and dopamine (OR 5.23) became independent predictors, while piracetam lost its significance.
Conclusions: Findings suggest the importance of future research on stroke predictors in bigger cohorts to facilitate the introduction of innovations to stroke patients’ care to potentially decrease the burden on the Kazakhstani population.