What does this research mean for the field?

In rural Kazakhstan, cardiovascular risk factors exhibit distinct gender patterns, with males showing higher risk behaviors and blood pressure, while females demonstrate greater healthcare engagement and higher rates of abdominal obesity. Novelty: ClaimNovelty.INCREMENTAL. Consensus alignment: ConsensusAlignment.NEUTRAL.

March 3, 2026Open Access

Gender and Age Differences in Hypertension Screening and Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Rural Kazakhstan

Key Points

Higher hypertension prevalence was noted in females, while males exhibited elevated blood pressure and risk behaviors.
Significant gender differences in health-related behaviors were identified, with males having higher smoking and alcohol rates (p=0.001).

Structured PICO

Population

1,200 adults residing in the rural Enbekshikazakh district of Kazakhstan (550 males, 650 females)

Outcome

Prevalence of hypertension, cardiovascular risk factors, and gender differences in clinical indicators

Significant gender differences exist in cardiovascular risk profiles in rural Kazakhstan, highlighting the need for gender-specific strategies in cardiovascular disease prevention.

Abstract

Lyazat Baglanova,1 Gulnara Junusbekova,2 Meiramgul Tundybayeva,2 Dilyara Mukhtarkhanova,2 Yelena Yegorova1 1Cardiology Department, Kazakh-Russian Medical University, Almaty, Kazakhstan; 2Cardiology department, Asfendiyarov Kazakh National Medical University, Almaty, KazakhstanCorrespondence: Meiramgul Tundybayeva, Department of cardiology, Asfendiyarov Kazakh National Medical University, 94 Tole Bi Street, Almaty, 050000, Kazakhstan, Email miratundybayeva@gmail.com; tundybaeva.m@kaznmu.kzPurpose: Hypertension remains a major public health challenge with low awareness and control rates. This study aims to assess its prevalence among rural residents in Kazakhstan.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in May 2025 among adults in the Enbekshikazakh district using a validated questionnaire adapted from the May Measurement Month survey. Data on demographics, risk factors, and clinical indicators were collected. Statistical analyzes included Chi-square and t-tests, with significance set at p < 0.05.Results: Among 1200 participants (550 males, 650 females), significant gender differences were observed across behavioral and clinical factors. Males reported higher rates of smoking, e-cigarette and alcohol use, and caffeine intake (p=0.001), while females were more engaged in healthcare and preventive medication use. Hypertension diagnosis and treatment were more frequent among females, but males showed higher measured blood pressure values (p< 0.001). Although BMI and anthropometric measures were similar, abdominal obesity was more prevalent in females (73.0% vs 40.4%, p=0.001). These findings indicate distinct gender patterns in lifestyle behaviors, cardiovascular risk factors, and health service utilization within the study population.Conclusion: Males exhibited higher cardiovascular risk behaviors and blood pressure, while females showed greater healthcare engagement and abdominal obesity, highlighting the need for gender-specific strategies in cardiovascular disease prevention and management.Keywords: gender differences, age differences, rural area, cardiovascular risk, hypertension, screening, Kazakhstan

Gender and Age Differences in Hypertension Screening and Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Rural Kazakhstan

Key Points

Structured PICO

Abstract

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