The role and understanding of health workers in achieving sustainable development goals

Kymbat Tussupkaliyeva, Raisa Uraz, Kairat Omargalyev, Esbol Esengaliev, Kalipa Yerentayeva, Nurgul U. Alekenova, A. Kamalbek

2026

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DOI 10.54500/2790-1203-2026-2-126-amj011
Data confidence 70 medium
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Abstract

ntroduction.The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), adopted by the UN in 2015, include Goal Good Health and Well-being, which focuses on ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being, with Universal Health Coverage (UHC) as a key component. Aim.The aim of our study is to conduct an in-depth investigation of medical professionals' understanding of these issues.Materials and methods.A questionnaire was developed based on literature review to assess awareness, perceptions of barriers, and attitudes toward UHC and SDGs among healthcare professionals, and was validated by experts and pilot-tested with physicians and nurses in Kazakh and Russian. It was distributed both online via Google Forms and on paper to maximize participation, with voluntary and anonymous completion and the option to withdraw at any time. Data were analyzed using SPSS and Excel. The chi-square test (χ²) was used to determine the statistical significance of associations between categorical variables.Results.The study showed a higher proportion of female doctors than nurses (p=0.008), with no significant difference in overall SDG awareness (p=0.288). Nurses were more aware of Goal Good Health and Well-being: Good Health and Well-being, while doctors had greater awareness of Goals 10, 4, 6, and 13.Doctors rated Goal 3 as more important for their professional development and more often identified lack of funding as a key barrier to Universal Health Coverage (UHC). Nurses reported a greater lack of training programs. Additionally, doctors viewed healthcare access as more equal than nurses did (59.5% vs. 40.2%, p=0.001), and nurses emphasized issues with accessibility and inequality more frequently. Both groups agreed on major barriers like poor infrastructure and low public awareness.Conclusion.Doctors and nurses show differing awareness and perceptions of SDGs and healthcare challenges, with nurses emphasizing accessibility and training gaps, while doctors focus more on funding and professional development.Keywords: SDGs, healthcare, doctors, nurses, Universal Health Coverage, professional development, health inequalities.