AUTHOR=Muratalieva Elvira , Ablezova Mehrigiul , Djamangulova Tolkun , Hoffarth Tobias , Kissimova-Skarbek Katarzyna , Graeser Silke , Nendaz Mathieu , Beran David 

TITLE=Addressing Non-Communicable Diseases in Primary Healthcare in Kyrgyzstan: A Study on Population’ Knowledge and Behavioral Changes

JOURNAL=International Journal of Public Health

VOLUME=68

YEAR=2023

URL=https://www.ssph-journal.org/journals/international-journal-of-public-health/articles/10.3389/ijph.2023.1605381

DOI=10.3389/ijph.2023.1605381

ISSN=1661-8564

ABSTRACT=<p><bold>Objective:</bold> Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in Kyrgyzstan are responsible for 83% of all deaths. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of WHO “Package of Essential Interventions on NCDs” (PEN) on health education and counselling at primary healthcare in Kyrgyzstan.</p><p><bold>Methods:</bold> Interventions consisted of information diffusion in primary care facilities and in communities by trained volunteers. The study aimed to assess the evolution of population’s knowledge and behaviour through a questionnaire applying a quasi-experimental approach. The sample size was 2,000 at baseline and after 4 years in intervention and control oblasts.</p><p><bold>Results:</bold> Population’s knowledge and behaviour improved in intervention areas compared to control areas. Knowledge on NCD-related risks increased from 61% to 87%. Behaviour improved with physical activity increasing from 23% to 32%; smokers reduced from 22% to 20%; alcohol consumption reduced from 23% to 16%; daily walking (minimum 30’) improved from 40% to 71%.</p><p><bold>Conclusion:</bold> This study suggests that the PEN-protocol is effective in improving healthy behaviour, thus potentially contributing to prevent NCDs. This example from Kyrgyzstan provides a practical example for promoting PEN-protocol adaptation in other countries.</p>