Аңдатпа
Background Rehabilitation of population exposed to tests at the former Semipalatinsk Nuclear Test Site is one of the unmet challenges for public health of Kazakhstan. In order to plan and implement the strategies more efficiently, the baseline data have to be available, including those related to mental health, which is one of the least prioritized health areas in Kazakhstan. Objectives: To study the prevalence of mental disorders in population exposed to tests on Semipalatinsk Nuclear Test Site in comparison with non-exposed population of the same region. Methods A cross-sectional study. The study group consisted of 1350 people permanently living in Abai, Beskaragai and Zharma counties, which are the closest to the Nuclear Test Site and were exposed to ionizing radiation in an annual dose of at least 200 mSv. A reference group consisted of 1010 individuals living at the same territories since 1991 after the nuclear test site was closed. Assessment of mental disorders was performed between 2009 and 2011. Proportions were compared using Pearson’s chi-squared tests. Results The overall prevalence of mental disorders in a study group was equal to 150.7 per 1000 of population as compared to 67.4 per 1000 of population in a control group (p < 0.001). Neurotic disorders, adjustment disorders and neurasthenia were identified in 18.4%, 17.7% and 15.8% of the study group, respectively. Mild mental retardation was diagnosed in 13.0% of study group population in comparison with 9.8% of controls (p < 0.05). Also, in contrast with controls, learning disabilities were more common in study group (11.8% and 14.4% respectively, p < 0.05). For the question “What makes you the most anxious?” 71.6% of study group (and 56.1% of controls (p < 0.05) replied that ecological problems and radiation exposure made them the most anxious. The question “Do you link your health problems to nuclear tests?” was answered positively by 70.8% of the study group compared to 55.2% of the reference group (P < 0.05). Conclusions The results of the study suggest a high prevalence of mental health problems among those who were exposed to radiation from Semipalatinsk Nuclear Test Site. This factor needs to be taken into consideration when the rehabilitation strategies are developed. Key message The results of the study suggest a high prevalence of mental health problems among those who were exposed to radiation from Semipalatinsk Nuclear Test Site.