ASSESSMENT OF THE PREVALENCE AND EPIDEMIOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF INTESTINAL INFECTIONS IN OSH CITY

Abstract

Relevance. Intestinal infections remain one of the most pressing public health issues, as they are widespread across various age groups and can cause outbreaks of disease. It is especially important to study the epidemiological situation in large cities, where high population density, active migration processes, and specific sanitary-hygienic conditions may contribute to the spread of infections. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence and identify the epidemiological characteristics of intestinal infections among the population of Osh city during 2023–2025. The study used official statistical reports from medical organizations and sanitary-epidemiological services. Methods of epidemiological analysis, statistical data processing, as well as comparative analysis of morbidity indicators by year, age, and social groups were applied. Particular attention was paid to the study of seasonal dynamics of intestinal infections and the identification of risk factors. The results of the study showed that during 2023–2025, intestinal infections continued to occupy a significant place in the structure of infectious morbidity in the population of Osh. The highest prevalence of diseases was observed among preschool-aged children, which can be explained by insufficiently developed personal hygiene skills, higher susceptibility of the children’s organism to infectious agents, and close contact in child collectives. A substantial share of cases was also observed among schoolchildren and the working population, which may be associated with eating outside the home and close social contacts. Analysis of seasonal dynamics showed that the level of morbidity has a pronounced seasonal pattern. The highest levels were recorded during the summer–autumn period, particularly in July and August. This is associated with higher ambient temperatures, which promote the active reproduction of pathogenic microorganisms, as well as increased consumption of fresh vegetables and fruits and violations of food storage conditions. During the winter period, a relative decrease in morbidity is observed. The main factors contributing to the spread of intestinal infections include insufficient compliance with sanitary-hygienic rules, consumption of poor-quality drinking water, violations of food preparation and storage technologies, and low levels of public sanitary culture.