Characteristics of the needs of older people in Kazakhstan: a cross-sectional muliticentre study
Yermukhanova L. Kimatova K. Suwalska A. Philp I. Dworacka M. Aitmaganbet P. Tazhbenova S. Taushanova M. Kurmanalina G. Talarska D. Wieczorowska-Tobis K. Tobis S.
2025Frontiers Media SA
Frontiers in Public Health
2025#13
Objectives: Shrinking caregiver workforces and rising demand among the oldest age groups necessitate urgent healthcare reforms. In Kazakhstan, high fertility sustains population growth, though care pressures are increasing as the share of older adults rises. Family, mostly women, provide care, and societal changes are reshaping traditional caregiving roles. The aim of the study was to assess the health and social needs of older adults in Kazakhstan and uncover their groupings. Methods: A cross-sectional multicentre study (2020–2021) in four Kazakhstani cities surveyed outpatients aged ≥65 years with the EASYCare Standard 2010 questionnaire. Functional independence, risk of care breakdown, and falls were measured, and k-means clustering identified need profiles. Linguistic diversity required Russian-language assessments. Results: Among 452 participants (mean age 70.7 ± 5.7 years), three clusters emerged. Lower unmet needs correlated with higher education and less caregiver support; higher needs were linked to lower education and frequent informal care. Fewer than 1% used formal services. Conclusion: Unmet needs among older Kazakhs are linked to lower education and informal care. Expanding formal care and targeted interventions are essential for supporting the ageing population’s varied needs. Copyright
Central Asia , cluster analysis , EASYCare , older adults , unmet needs
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Department of Public Health and Healthcare, Marat Ospanov West Kazakhstan Medical University, Aktobe, Kazakhstan
Department of Mental Health, Chair of Psychiatry, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznań, Poland
Centre for Health Services Studies, University of Kent, Kent, Canterbury, United Kingdom
Department of Pharmacology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznań, Poland
Center for the Improvement of Nursing, Department of Public Health and Healthcare, Marat Ospanov West Kazakhstan Medical University, Aktobe, Kazakhstan
Department of Internal Medicine №2, Marat Ospanov West Kazakhstan Medical University, Aktobe, Kazakhstan
Department of Preventive Medicine, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznań, Poland
Geriatrics Unit, Chair of Palliative Medicine, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznań, Poland
Department of Occupational Therapy, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznań, Poland
Department of Public Health and Healthcare
Department of Mental Health
Centre for Health Services Studies
Department of Pharmacology
Center for the Improvement of Nursing
Department of Internal Medicine №2
Department of Preventive Medicine
Geriatrics Unit
Department of Occupational Therapy
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