Menopausal Status Impact on the Quality of Life in Kazakhstani Healthcare Workers: A Cross-sectional Study.

BACKGROUND: Menopausal quality of life (MenQoL) is a common concern that primary healthcare workers often encounter. Menopause has a significant impact on women's health, but studies examining its effect on the MenQoL of menopausal healthcare employees have produced conflicting results. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare the quality of life related to menopausal status (pre-, peri-, or postmenopausal) in healthcare workers from various clinical settings in Kazakhstan. DESIGN: This was a cross-sectional study. PARTICIPANTS: In total, 222 menopausal healthcare workers (physicians, nurses/midwives, administrative staff, and cleaners) were enrolled from hospitals affiliated with the University Medical Center (UMC) in Kazakhstan. MAIN MEASURES: The outcome variable was assessed using the Menopausal Quality of Life Questionnaire (MENQOL), which evaluates MenQoL across four domains of menopausal symptoms: physical, psychological, vasomotor, and sexual. KEY RESULTS: The most frequently reported menopausal symptoms were physical ones, such as feeling tired or worn out (70.7%), followed by feeling a lack of energy (65.3%) and dry skin (64.1%). The postmenopause group had the highest mean MenQoL score in the vasomotor domain (mean 3.46 ± 1.84). There was a borderline statistical significance when comparing postmenopause and perimenopause groups in the physical domain. The pairwise comparison of mean sexual scores revealed that postmenopause women had the highest average score (3.3 ± 2.36) compared to both premenopause (mean 2.3 ± 1.82) and perimenopause (mean 2.22 ± 1.58) groups (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Menopausal status has influence on the MenQoL of healthcare workers. The study findings could have important implications for policymakers as they provide insight into the factors influencing the quality of life of menopausal healthcare employees. Creating a more menopause-friendly work environment may not only enhance the well-being of healthcare personnel but also improve their overall job satisfaction and performance.

Epidemiology of spontaneous pregnancy loss in Kazakhstan: A national population-based cohort analysis during 2014-2019 using the national electronic healthcare system.

INTRODUCTION: Spontaneous pregnancy loss (SPL) is a common health problem that affects 1:10 of childbearing women, and is linked with physical and psychological complications. As the number of nationwide studies on the incidence of SPL is few, especially from middle-income countries, in this study we investigated the epidemiology, complications and outcomes of SPL before 22 weeks of gestation by analyzing large-scale healthcare data from the Unified Nationwide Electronic Healthcare System (UNEHS) in Kazakhstan. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A population-based study among women who experienced SPL in any healthcare setting of the Republic of Kazakhstan during the period of 2014-2019. The International Classification of Diseases (ICD) 10th edition and ICD 9th edition's procedural codes were utilized to retrieve data using relevant diagnostic and procedural codes. RESULTS: In total, 207 317 records of women who have experienced an SPL before 22 weeks of gestation were analyzed from all Kazakhstani regions. The estimated prevalence of SPL was 8.7%, with a 20% decline over a 6-year period. The SPL cases ratio comprises on average 6.2 per 1000 reproductive-age women. Incomplete miscarriage (ICD-10 code "O03.4") was the most common type (37.8%), followed by blighted ovum (ICD-10 code "O02.0"; 34.1%) and missed abortion (ICD-10 code "O02.1"; 13.5%). The most common management methods were dilation and curettage of the uterus (ICD-9 code "69.0"; 84.7%) and aspiration curettage of the uterus (ICD-9 code "65.0"; 15%), whereas medical management was rarely performed (2.6%). CONCLUSION: The information available in UNEHS adequately identifies types of miscarriages and treatment methods. Although the prevalence of SPL before 22 weeks of gestation is decreasing, management of miscarriages requires closer attention.

Unveiling the Role of the Work Environment in the Quality of Life of Menopausal Physicians and Nurses.

BACKGROUND: There is a lack of scientific evidence regarding the specific challenges faced by menopausal medical professionals in different work settings. This study aims to investigate the relationship between work environment and the menopausal quality of life (QoL) in physicians and nurses. METHODS: This survey was conducted using the Menopausal Quality of Life Questionnaire (MENQOL) with a sample of 35 menopausal physicians and 95 nurses employed in health facilities in Astana and Kyzylorda cities, Kazakhstan. RESULTS: Physicians reported a higher frequency of menopausal symptoms compared to nurses. The difference was statistically significant (p < 0.05) for symptoms such as decreased productivity (60.00% vs. 38.20%), flatulence or gas pains (71.43% vs. 48.39%), weight gain (79.41% vs. 61.80%), changes in skin appearance (79.59% vs. 50.00%), and changes in sexual desire (58.82% vs. 33.70%). Physicians with managerial duties had a significantly higher occurrence of vasomotor symptoms compared to non-managerial physicians (mean 3.35 ± 2.14 vs. 1.69 ± 0.89) and also had a higher mean psychological score (mean 3.26 ± 1.28 vs. 2.29 ± 1.19). CONCLUSIONS: These findings reflect differences between the menopause effects related to work environment for doctors and nurses, and shed light on the specific challenges faced by them during menopause. In addition, it is important to consider socio-demographic and workplace-related factors in investigating their impact on the QoL.

Recurrent Pregnancy Loss Etiology, Risk Factors, Diagnosis, and Management. Fresh Look into a Full Box.

Recurrent pregnancy loss is a complex health challenge with no universally accepted definition. Inconsistency in definitions involves not only the number of spontaneous abortions (two or three) that are accepted for recurrent pregnancy loss but the types of pregnancy and gestational age at miscarriage. Due to the heterogeneity of definitions and criteria applied by international guidelines for recurrent pregnancy loss, the true incidence of recurrent miscarriage, which is reported to range from 1% to 5%, is difficult to estimate. Moreover, the exact etiology of recurrent pregnancy loss remains questionable; thus, it is considered a polyetiological and multifactorial condition with many modifiable and non-modifiable factors involved. Even after thoroughly evaluating recurrent pregnancy loss etiology and risk factors, up to 75% of cases remain unexplained. This review aimed to summarize and critically analyze accumulated knowledge on the etiology, risk factors, relevant diagnostic options, and management approach to recurrent pregnancy loss. The relevance of various factors and their proposed roles in recurrent pregnancy loss pathogenesis remains a matter of discussion. The diagnostic approach and the management largely depend on the etiology and risk factors taken into consideration by a healthcare professional as a cause of recurrent miscarriage for a particular woman or couple. Underestimation of social and health consequences of recurrent pregnancy loss leads to compromised reproductive health and psychological well-being of women after miscarriage. Studies on etiology and risk factors for recurrent pregnancy loss, especially idiopathic, should be continued. The existing international guidelines require updates to assist clinical practice.

Biological Role of Folic Acid in Pregnancy and Possible Therapeutic Application for the Prevention of Preeclampsia.

The rationale and importance of folic acid supplementation during pregnancy for fetal congenital defect prevention are accepted worldwide. Moreover, a sufficient plasma concentration of folates can reduce the incidence of spontaneous abortions, and support the normal expansion of placental blood vessels, ensuring physiological placental blood flow, thus promoting appropriate fetal growth and development. Furthermore, there is emerging evidence that long-term supplementation with folic acid can effectively prevent preeclampsia. Preeclampsia is unique to the human species in complications during pregnancy, which contributes to maternal and perinatal mortality worldwide. In the pathogenesis of preeclampsia abnormal placental invasion, the excess of antiangiogenic factors and maternal-placental syndrome play a key role. Increased blood levels of homocysteine during pregnancy are associated with the risk of preeclampsia. Moreover, hyperhomocysteinemia has been proposed to be an independent risk factor for preeclampsia. Folate supplementation helps to decrease elevated levels of homocysteine; thus, the role of folic acid supplementation in pregnancy is even more important. Multiple reports suggest that folate administration decreases the level of serum homocysteine and, therefore, reduce the risk and severity of preeclampsia. However, the association between folic acid supplementation and the decreased risk of preeclampsia has been investigated with controversial conclusions. Currently, the optimal dose of folic acid that is effective for preeclampsia prevention remains uncertain. In this review, we aim to summarize the accumulated knowledge on the role of folic acid in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia, and the possible impact of folate supplementation on the decreased risk of preeclampsia.

Depression, Anxiety, and Stress in Kazakhstani Women with Recurrent Pregnancy Loss: A Case-Control Study.

Background: Recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) is associated with increased incidence and severity of depression, anxiety, and stress, and screening for these comorbidities following miscarriages is beneficial for women with RPL who are planning future pregnancies. This study aims to investigate depression, anxiety, and stress among Kazakhstani women with RPL. Methods: This was a case−control study involving 70 women with confirmed RPL and 78 ethnically matched control women. Depression, anxiety, and stress were evaluated using the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS)-21 instrument. Linear regression and correlation analysis were used in assessing the association of RPL with symptoms of depression, and/or anxiety, and/or stress, after adjusting for key covariates. Results: Women with RPL were found to have significantly higher mean scores for depression (p < 0.001), anxiety (p < 0.001), and stress (p < 0.001) symptoms. Mild−moderate stress and mild−moderate and severe−extreme depression and anxiety symptoms were more frequent in the RPL group than in the control group. Regression analysis demonstrated that RPL was the only significant variable associated with anxiety, depression, and stress symptoms. Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that women with RPL are more likely to experience heightened symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress. Proper psychological counseling is recommended for women with RPL, as well as their spouses.

The Prevalence, Indications, Outcomes of the Most Common Major Gynecological Surgeries in Kazakhstan and Recommendations for Potential Improvements into Public Health and Clinical Practice: Analysis of the National Electronic Healthcare System (2014-2019).

OBJECTIVES: Major gynecological surgeries are indicated for the treatment of female genital pathologies. It is key to examine trends in gynecologic surgical procedures and updated recommendations by international gynecological societies to find opportunities for improvement of local guidelines. To date, a very limited number of reports have been published on the epidemiology of gynecological surgeries in Kazakhstan. Moreover, some local guidelines for gynecological conditions do not comply with the international recommendations. Thus, this study aims to investigate the prevalence, indications, and outcomes of the most common major gynecological surgeries by analyzing large-scale Kazakhstani healthcare data, and identifying possible opportunities for improvement of the local public health and clinical practice. METHODS: A descriptive, population-based study among women who underwent a gynecological surgery in healthcare settings across the Republic of Kazakhstan during the period of 2014-2019 was performed. Data were collected from the Unified Nationwide Electronic Health System (UNEHS). RESULTS: In total, 80,401 surgery cases were identified and analyzed in the UNEHS database for a period of 6 years (2014-2019). The median age of the participants was 40 years old, with 61.1% in reproductive age. The most prevalent intervention was a unilateral salpingectomy-29.4%, with 72.6% patients aged between 18-34 years. The proportion of different types of hysterectomies was 49.4%. In 20% of cases, subtotal abdominal hysterectomy was performed due to uterine leiomyoma. The proportion of laparoscopic procedures in Kazakhstani gynecological practice is as low-11.59%. CONCLUSIONS: The Kazakhstani public health and gynecological care sector should reinforce implementation of contemporary treatment methods and up-to-date policies and guidelines. The overall trends in surgical procedures performed for gynecological pathologies, including uterine leiomyoma and ectopic pregnancy treatment, should be changed in favor of the minimally invasive methods in order to adopt a fertility-sparing approach.

Factors Influencing on Pain in Patients Undergoing Pipelle Endometrial Biopsy for Abnormal Uterine Bleeding: Why a Personalized Approach Should Be Applied?

Objectives. Abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) is a common complaint of women in different age groups, and endometrial biopsy is widely used to investigate the underlying causes. The aim of this observational study was to assess factors influencing pain in patients undergoing endometrial biopsy for AUB. Methods. Pain intensity before, during, and after Pipelle sampling was evaluated using the numerical rating scale (NRS), where "0" represents no pain at all, "10"­the worst pain ever possible. Pain rating was categorized as 1−6­mild to moderate, 7 and above as severe pain. Results. The study included 160 women who underwent Pipelle biopsy. The median age in the cohort was 42 (34−48) years, 18.1% of women were postmenopausal, 56.3% were either overweight or obese, 30% were nulliparous and 80% reported urban residency. The median pain score during the procedure was 2 (0−4). Pain scores of 5 (4−7) were reported with the junior gynecologist and 2 (0−4) in the senior gynecologist (p < 0.0001). Conclusion. The pain was found to have a strong association with the type of provider performing the endometrial sampling procedure. This fact suggests the need for a personalized approach and that psychological or informational interventions should be scheduled before the procedure to decrease pain and increase satisfaction.

The Prevalence, Incidence, Indications and Outcomes of Peripartum Hysterectomy in Kazakhstan: Data from Unified Nationwide Electronic Healthcare System 2014-2018.

PURPOSE: Peripartum hysterectomy is a surgical procedure performed as a life-saving surgery to manage severe postpartum hemorrhage. The prevalence of peripartum hysterectomy in high-resource settings is relatively low. However, maternal mortality due to postpartum hemorrhage and after peripartum hysterectomy remains high in developing countries. To date, there is a lack of information about the rates of peripartum hysterectomy and its common indications in Kazakhstan. Objectives were to study the prevalence, indications, and outcomes of peripartum hysterectomy using nationwide large-scale health-care data from the national registry. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We performed a descriptive, population-based study among women who underwent a peripartum hysterectomy in any health-care setting of the Republic of Kazakhstan during the period of 2014-2018. Data were collected from the Unified Nationwide Electronic Health System (UNEHS). RESULTS: Data included 3838 medical records of women who had a peripartum hysterectomy performed due to specific indications for the period of 5 years (2014-2018). The median age of the participants was 33 years old, with 60.7% of women aged between 18 and 34 years. The leading indications for peripartum hysterectomy were intrapartum hemorrhage (IPH) and postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) reported in 60% of the cases analyzed. The second most common indication was placental pathology - placental abruption and placenta previa in 9.6% and 7.9% of cases, respectively. In 1633 cases (42.4%), total abdominal hysterectomy was performed, while subtotal hysterectomy was done in 2195 cases (57.0%). Based on these data, the estimated prevalence of peripartum hysterectomies was calculated: overall weighted mean prevalence 1.93 per 1000 deliveries. CONCLUSION: IPH and PPH are the commonest indications for peripartum hysterectomy followed by placental pathology. Appropriate maternal care during labor and delivery should be reinforced to decrease the incidence of peripartum hysterectomy in Kazakhstan.

Impact of governmental support to the IVF clinical pregnancy rates: differences between public and private clinical settings in Kazakhstan-a prospective cohort study.

OBJECTIVES: Infertility rates have been increasing in low-income and middle-income countries, including Kazakhstan. The need for accessible and affordable assisted reproductive technologies has become essential for many subfertile women. We aimed to explore whether the public funding and clinical settings are independently associated with in vitro fertilisation (IVF) clinical pregnancy and to determine whether the relationship between IVF clinical pregnancy and clinical settings is modified by payment type. DESIGN: A prospective cohort study. SETTING: Three private and two public IVF clinics located in major cities. PARTICIPANTS: Women aged ≥18 seeking first or repeated IVF treatment and agreed to complete a survey were included in the study. Demographical and previous medical history data were collected from a survey, while clinical data from medical records. The total response rate was 14%. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES: Clinical pregnancy was defined as a live intrauterine pregnancy identified by ultrasound scan at 8 gestational weeks. The outcome data were missing for 22% of women. RESULTS: Out of 446 women in the study, 68.2% attended private clinics. Two-thirds of women attending public clinics and 13% of women attending private clinics were publicly funded. Private clinics retrieved, on average, a higher number of oocytes (11.5±8.4 vs 8.1±7.2, p<0.001) and transferred more embryos (2.2±2.5 vs 1.4±1.1, p<0.001) and had a statistically significantly higher pregnancy rate compared with public clinics (79.0% vs 29.7%, p<0.001). Publicly funded women had on average a higher number of oocytes retrieved and a statistically significantly higher probability of clinical pregnancy (RR=1.23, 95% CI 1.02 to 1.47) than self-paid women, after adjusting for covariates. There was no statistically significant interaction between clinical setting and payment type. CONCLUSIONS: Private clinics and public funding were independently associated with higher IVF clinical pregnancy rates. There is also a need to further investigate whether the increase in public funding will influence clinical pregnancy rates.

Pipelle endometrial sampling success rates in Kazakhstani settings: results from a prospective cohort analysis.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of Pipelle endometrial sampling and to explore factors influencing Pipelle success rate in the clinical settings of Kazakhstan. This prospective analysis included 87 patients who had undergone Pipelle biopsy due to medical indications for endometrial sampling. We analysed physician and patient-related factors potentially influencing the success rate of this method. Pipelle endometrial biopsy overall success rate was 82.76%. The indications for the procedure and patients' age were key factors influencing Pipelle sampling success (p < .001). The success rate was the highest in the group with abnormal uterine bleeding as a biopsy indication in the reproductive age group (93.19%; p < .001).Pipelle biopsy was found to be an acceptable option for endometrial sampling in our clinical setting; at the same time, physicians should consider the potential influencing factors on its success rate like indications for the procedure, BMI and patients' age as well as their menopausal status. In order to provide precise future directions, there is a need to study a larger number of patients.IMPACT STATEMENTWhat is already known on this subject? Compared to dilation and curettage sampling conducted in the operation room, Pipelle endometrial sampling is relatively inexpensive, associated with less morbidity, safe, accurate, and can be performed in an office setting.What do the results of this study add? This is the first prospective data analysis about Pipelle endometrial sampling in Kazakhstani population.What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? Enabling the timely diagnosis of current endometrial pathology, Pipelle endometrial sampling approach may have an important impact on healthcare safety and efficiency, and improve overall treatment outcomes and the quality of life of Kazakhstani population if used consistently.

Pipelle endometrial biopsy for abnormal uterine bleeding: do patient's pain and anxiety really impact on sampling success rate?

BACKGROUND: Pipelle endometrial biopsy is vital for the early diagnostics of endometrial pathology and is performed in outpatient setting in minimally invasive manner. One of the reported disadvantages of sampling with Pipelle curette is failure to collect enough tissue for histological analysis. The role of psychological factors such as anxiety and pain sensitivity in obtaining adequate samples is not well known. The study's objective was to explore whether there is relationship between severe pain, anxiety, and the rate of Pipelle failure. METHODS: Study included 158 women with median age of 42 who underwent Pipelle endometrial biopsy at Clinical Academic Department of Women's Health of the University Medical Center (UMC), Nur-Sultan City, Kazakhstan with an abnormal uterine bleeding from June 2019 to April 2021. Women were asked to fill survey on pain, anxiety before, during and after the procedure. RESULTS: 3.8%, 15.19% and 4.43% of women reported severe pain and 39.24%, 34.18% and 14.56% of women reported severe anxiety prior, during and after procedure, respectively. Women who experienced severe pain during procedure tend to be more anxious during procedure (p = 0.0001) and have higher number of sampling attempts (p = 0.0040). Pain level was higher among patients sampled by the junior OB/GYN specialist (p < 0.0001). We found no differences in Pipelle biopsy success rates in relationship to baseline, during and postprocedural pain and anxiety scores. CONCLUSION: Anxiety during procedure performance was significantly associated with severe pain during the procedure but did not represent a key element for the success of Pipelle biopsy.

Pipelle Endometrial Biopsy for Abnormal Uterine Bleeding in Daily Clinical Practice: Why the Approach to Patients Should Be Personalized?

BACKGROUND: Abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) is a common gynecologic condition, and proper management is based on the histological evaluation of an adequate endometrial sample obtained via biopsy. The aims of this study were to evaluate factors influencing the reliability and success rate of Pipelle endometrial sampling for histopathological diagnosis. METHODS: One hundred and eighty patients with AUB underwent endometrial sampling using both Pipelle and dilatation and curettage (D&C) procedures at the Clinical Academic Department of Women's Health, University Medical Center between January 2019 and April 2021. We analyzed the effects of age, menopausal status, ethnicity, body mass index (BMI), provider experience, and procedure indication on the success and reliability of each procedure. RESULTS: Pipelle sampling was successful in 144 (80.56%) women, while D&C was successful in 164 (91.11%) women. Analysis using Fisher's exact test showed that age, menopausal status, and biopsy indication were factors affecting the success rate of both methods, while ethnicity, BMI, and physician experience had no influence. Overall concordance in the histopathological results between Pipelle and D&C was 91.72%. CONCLUSION: Pipelle sampling was found to be reliable for the detection of endometrial carcinoma and endometrial hyperplasia, while its reliability was low in cases of endometrial polyps. The endometrial sampling approach should be personalized in daily clinical practice for women with AUB, and Pipelle sampling is not suitable for all patients. If an endometrial polyp is suspected, the physician should consider other diagnostic tools, bearing in mind all of the factors influencing endometrial sampling success and reliability rates.

Association of Human forkhead box protein 3 (FOXP3) gene polymorphisms with idiopathic recurrent pregnancy loss among Kazakhstani women.

BACKGROUND: Recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) is major pregnancy complication, with poorly defined cause.Forkhead Box P3 (FOXP3) is a transcription factor that supports Treg activation and development and attenuates immune responses. As FOXP3 production is genetically determined, we tested the association of FOXP3 gene variants with RPL. METHODS: A retrospective case-control study, performed between April 2019 and February 2020. Study subjects comprised 62 RPL cases and 60 control women. Genotyping of the four FOXP3 variants rs2294021 (T > C), rs2232365 (G > A), rs3761548 (C > A), and rs141704699 (C > T) was done by real-time PCR, with defined clusters. Logistic odds ratios (ORs) of RPL risk were estimated with 95% confidence interval (CI) after adjustment; statistical significance set at P < 0.05. RESULTS: Minor allele frequency (MAF) of rs2294021 was significantly lower [P < 0.001; OR(95% CI) = 0.25(0.11-0.55)], while rs2232365 MAF was significantly higher [P = 0.045; OR(95% CI) = 1.85(1.05-3.28)] in cases, hence assigning RPL-protection and -susceptibility to these variants, respectively. Increased RPL risk was seen in rs2232365 homozygous minor allele carrying genotype [OR(95% CI) = 5.14(1.01-26.15)], while reduced RPL risk was noted in rs2294021 heterozygous [OR(95% CI) = 0.30(0.11-0.80)], and homozygous minor allele [OR(95% CI) = 0.10(0.01-0.83)] genotype carriers. Moderate linkage disequilibrium analysis was seen between the tested variants. Increased frequency of TACC, and reduced frequency of CGAC haplotypes were seen in RPL cases when compared to controls, thereby assigning RPL susceptibility and protection to these haplotypes, respectively. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that FOXP3 variants and haplotypes are associated with idiopathic RPL, suggesting the likely contribution of Treg to RPL.

Prevalence of high-risk human papillomavirus infection among Kazakhstani women attending gynecological outpatient clinics.

OBJECTIVES: To conduct a nationwide high-risk human papillomavirus (HR-HPV) infection genotyping analysis of women attending gynecological clinics and identify factors associated with HR-HPV infection. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey-based study with 759 participants. Demographics, lifestyle, and medical history data were collected by questionnaire completed by gynecologists during patients' visits. Cervical swabs were used for HPV genotyping using AmpliSens kit. Data analysis included descriptive statistics consisting of mean values, standard deviations, and frequencies, where applicable. Ordinal logistic regression was performed to identify factors associated with HPV infection status. RESULTS: The mean age of participants was 36.51 ± 10.09 years. The majority of participants were aged 26-35 years. Less than half of the women (39%) were HPV positive; 26% had single HR-HPV, and 13% had multiple HR-HPV infection. The most prevalent HR-HPV genotypes were HPV-16 (54%), HPV-51 (7%), HPV-68 (7%), and HPV-18 (6%). Ordinal logistic regression demonstrated that older age, not being single, and having a history of sexually transmitted infections, decrease the odds of HPV infection. CONCLUSION: This study identified high prevalence of HR-HPV among Kazakhstani women. Our results showed that adding HPV testing to compulsory cervical cancer screening in Kazakhstan could improve the screening program and decrease cervical cancer rates.

The Effect of Stress, Anxiety and Depression on In Vitro Fertilization Outcome in Kazakhstani Public Clinical Setting: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Although it is clear that infertility leads to heightened stress for patients, the impact of depressed mood and anxiety on treatment outcome is inconsistently reported. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of stress, depression and anxiety on in vitro fertilization (IVF) outcomes in Kazakhstani public assisted reproductive technology (ART) clinics. The prospective cohort study was performed between June 2019 and September 2020 using questionnaires to assess psychological stress, depressed mood and anxiety in women referred to IVF clinics in two public clinical centers in Kazakhstan, Nur-Sultan and Aktobe. Our study sample comprised 142 women with the average age of 33.9 ± 4.9 years, and infertility duration 6.0 ± 3.5 years. More than half of respondents had Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) scores higher than 16, indicating their risk of developing clinical depression. Ninety-one percent of women from Aktobe city were at risk for clinical depression (p < 0.001). Aktobe city respondents had higher stress subscale scores and anxiety scale scores (p < 0.001) than Nur-Sultan respondents. Statistical analysis showed that IVF outcome was not significantly associated with depression and stress, while the higher anxiety scale scores were negatively associated with clinical pregnancy after IVF.

Cervical cancer screening and prevention in Kazakhstan and Central Asia.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the state of cervical screening and prevention in Central Asian states, specifically Kazakhstan. RESULTS: In the five Central Asian countries that were formerly part of the Soviet Union (Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan), cervical cancer incidence and mortality rates are far higher than those in most Western and high-income nations, and are increasing. Cervical cancer screening is available in all five countries, but is mainly opportunistic. Only Kazakhstan has a structured cytological screening program, from which screening coverage analysis is possible. CONCLUSION: Despite significant decreases in cervical cancer incidence and mortality in developed countries, the problem is still of great concern in these Central Asian countries and is attributed to poorly organized screening and the absence of vaccination programs.

The effect of psychological distress on IVF outcomes: Reality or speculations?

INTRODUCTION: Infertility is a problem that affects millions of people worldwide. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of stress, depression and anxiety on the IVF outcomes in Kazakhstan. METHODS: The prospective cohort study was performed using questionnaires to assess psychological distress in 304 infertile female in three different cities in Kazakhstan. RESULTS: The average age of participants was 33.7 years with infertility duration of 5.9 years. Regarding stress, depression and anxiety we found that more than 80% of all respondents had CES-D score higher than 16, indicating that they are at risk of developing clinical depression. On average, FPI subscales' scores, global stress score and anxiety scale (STAI-S and STAI-T) scores were statistically significantly higher among not pregnant women than pregnant women. Similarly, in simple logistic regression analysis all FPI subscales scores, global stress scale score and anxiety scales' scores were negatively associated with clinical pregnancy. CONCLUSION: Rates of stress, anxiety and depression among IVF patients are higher than in general population. If the level of infertility-related stress is higher, IVF success rate is lower. Findings of our study indicate the need for the specific psychological interventions for all infertility women, to improve IVF success rate.

Ovulation induction in infertile women with endometriotic ovarian cysts: current evidence and potential pitfalls.

Endometriosis is a chronic benign gynecological disease with symptoms that can severely impact quality of life and well-being. Women affected by endometriotic ovarian cyst could have associated infertility problems. Infertility affects 30% to 50% of women with endometriosis. Women with endometriosis are at risk of decreased ovarian reserve, due to the disease pathophysiologic mechanisms. Generally, infertility management include surgical procedure (usually with minimally invasive approach) and ovulation induction with intrauterine insemination or in vitro fertilization. Fertility preservation technologies also include oocyte or embryo freezing and ovarian tissue cryopreservation. Approach to patients with endometriotic cysts still remains controversial, and a multidisciplinary approach is a key factor to achieve the best outcome with appropriate patient counselling. Such management by a multidisciplinary team is a key factor in achieving the successful outcome.

Evaluation of Uterine Artery Embolization on Myoma Shrinkage: Results from a Large Cohort Analysis.

OBJECTIVE: There are still contradictory opinions on the success rates of uterine artery embolization (UAE) for the treatment of myomas. In this scenario, our study aims to assess the effect of UAE on myoma shrinkage. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 337 women in reproductive age affected by a single symptomatic intramural myoma and declined surgery, undergoing UAE. The uterus and myoma diameters and volumes were determined on ultrasonographic scans before and 3, 6, and 12 months after the procedure. RESULTS: The mean uterine volume before intervention was 226.46 ± 307.67 mm3, whereas myoma volume was 51.53 ± 65.53 mm3. Further myoma progression was registered in only four patients. In remaining women, uterus volume in average decreased for 149.99 ± 156.63 mm3, whereas myomas decreased for 36.57 ± 47.96 mm3. The mean volume reduction rate of the uterus was 49.54 ± 35.62 and for myoma was 57.58 ± 30.71. A significant decrease in both uterine and myoma volume was registered in every stage of the follow-up. The highest average decrease in uterine volume was in the first 3 months and myoma volume between 3 and 6 months following UAE. After 12 months follow-up, successful outcome (volume regression >50% respect to the baseline) was registered for uterus in 97.4% and for myoma in 67.9% of investigated patients. CONCLUSION: UAE was proven to allow a good success rate and can be considered as an effective alternative procedure for myoma treatment.