Descriptive analysis of health status and underlying diseases among young people in Kyrgyzstan, 2019–2023

Introduction Improving the health and quality of life of young people is a crucial issue in Kyrgyzstan, as they represent a significant portion of the population and the future of the country. Aim The aim of the study was to assess the health status and incidence of various diseases among students in Kyrgyzstan. Material and methods This cross-sectional research examined 1,317 medical students chosen using stratified random selection. The study included various health evaluations such as clinical examinations, anthropometric measures, body mass index (BMI) estimates, spirometry, and dynamometry. Results and discussion It was found that the most common diseases among students were diseases of the respiratory (22.04%) and digestive system (20.59%), as well as infectious, parasitic diseases (11.31%) and diseases of the organs of vision (11.6%). The higher prevalence of non-communicable illnesses was associated with lifestyle variables like stress, irregular nutrition, and insufficient physical activity. A reduction in muscular strength and lung function was noted, indicating diminished physical fitness levels. Comparative analysis with national health statistics revealed that students had a greater frequency of gastrointestinal and ocular disorders than the general population. Morbidity rates showed significant variations between academic years, with first-year students demonstrating reduced BMI and elevated prevalence of asthenic body types. Conclusions Kyrgyz medical students exhibit an increase in respiratory, digestive, and eye conditions associated with stress, poor nutrition, and lack of activity. Targeted health treatments and prevention are critical to increasing student well-being through early identification, lifestyle modifications, and greater healthcare access.