EPIDEMIOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF CONGENITAL MALFORMATIONS IN THE TURKESTAN REGION OF KAZAKHSTAN: NOSOLOGICAL STRUCTURE AND RISK FACTORS

Abstract

Congenital malformations are a significant public health problem that encompasses various disciplines, such as obstetrics, gynaecology, paediatrics, medical genetics, and others; the significant prevalence of the problem and the possibility of its prevention determine the study relevance of the prevalence and risk factors associated with the development of pathology. The study aims to investigate the epidemiological aspects of congenital malformations in the Turkestan region of the Republic of Kazakhstan, including Suzak, Otyrar and Sairam districts, as well as the cities of Kentau and Turkestan, and to consolidate the current literature on this problem. The study assessed the epidemiological evaluation of the nosological structure of congenital malformations in this region, covering the period from 2020 to 2022. The results showed that the most common malformations are musculoskeletal anomalies and cardiovascular disorders. In addition, the study identified key groups of risk factors that may influence the development of birth defects. Among such factors, genetic hereditary features, environmental conditions, lifestyle of expectant mothers and the presence of chronic diseases were found to be important. The period under review also observed a steady increase in the number of congenital malformations, especially in the category of cardiovascular pathologies. This emphasises the importance of developing and implementing preventive measures. One of the key findings of the study was the need to introduce pregravid training and lifestyle correction for expectant mothers. These steps can significantly reduce the incidence of congenital anomalies and improve pregnancy outcomes. In addition, new directions for future research aimed at studying risk factors and developing effective methods for the prevention of congenital malformations in this region were outlined. This study has broad practical relevance not only for medical staff, as it highlights the epidemiological aspect of the problem, but also for researchers, outlining the direction of further research, and the material can be applied by representatives of pressure groups to develop preventive interventions.