The diagnostic accuracy of spirometry versus peak expiratory flow test for follow-up of adult asthma patients at primary care level.

The asthma burden is growing worldwide, and this is predisposed by environmental and occupational exposures as well as individual risk factors. This study was aimed at a comparison of diagnostic accuracy of spirometry and peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) in asthma screening of adult patients with lung function abnormalities that present at the level of primary care. This study was conducted in Shymkent city, South Kazakhstan, the third most populous city of the country with developed industries and high rates of pulmonary diseases.

Anticipating the Need for Healthcare Resources Following the Escalation of the COVID-19 Outbreak in the Republic of Kazakhstan.

Objectives: The lack of advance planning in a public health emergency can lead to wasted resources and inadvertent loss of lives. This study is aimed at forecasting the needs for healthcare resources following the expansion of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak in the Republic of Kazakhstan, focusing on hospital beds, equipment, and the professional workforce in light of the developing epidemiological situation and the data on resources currently available.

Methods: We constructed a forecast model of the epidemiological scenario via the classic susceptible-exposed-infected-removed (SEIR) approach.