Demographic Situation Research Articles

Social aspects of rehabilitation of the Bryansk region settlements affected by the Chernobyl NPP accident

Relevance. Currently, in the south-west of the Bryansk region, the settlements most affected by the Chernobyl NPP accident show the radiation exposure of about 30 % of the natural level without causing any negative impact on health. However, the settlements are still facing severe social challenges. Throughout the timespan after the Chernobyl accident, significant population decline has been observed in these settlements. Over the past 20 years, the number of residential settlements in the south-west districts of the Bryansk region has decreased by 22 % and the number of residents by 16%. Considering the long-lasting consequences of the Chernobyl disaster, social protection of the accident affected population and the development of radioactively contaminated areas remains relevant so far.The objective is to assess the current demographic situation in the Bryansk region southwestern settlements, most affected by the Chernobyl NPP accident, as well as to justify the shortage of social infrastructure required to ensure the settlements return back to normal conditions.Methods. The study analyses current social problems, including demographics and infrastructure in the five southwestern districts of the Bryansk region, most affected by the Chernobyl NPP accident.Results and discussion. In 2023, the southwestern districts of the Bryansk region included 72 residential settlements (71 rural and the town of Novozybkov) with an average annual effective radiation dose of population exposure above 1 mSv. The total registered population of the settlements is 63,869 people. The share of rural and urban population is 39 and 61 %, respectively. A difficult demographic situation was noted in the populated areas of the Chernobyl accident zone. Thus, the share of persons under working age (0–15 years) does not exceed 17 % of the total population. Social infrastructure demands were assessed to ensure wellbeing of the population in the Bryansk region districts, most affected by the Chernobyl NPP accident.Conclusion. In the rural settlements where the population is exposed to an average annual effective radiation dose above 1 mS, assessment and audit of the existing social infrastructure is required with follow-up efforts to eliminate the shortages, if any, to comply with modern norms and standards.

The evolution and causes of the change in the demographic model of Russia. Message 1. General assessment of historical, medical, social and demographic events

The demographic situation in different periods was determined by the general patterns of childbearing, epidemics and the state of society. In Russia, even against the background of great upheavals, population growth has been observed for several centuries with a high birth rate, which exceeded the total mortality rate. Epidemics, wars and political events of the twentieth century, as well as the change of priorities in the 1990s, left their mark and led to a decrease in the population. This analytical review is devoted to the evolutionary changes in the Russian population model. The main historical, medical, social and demographic events that dynamically affect the demographic situation in our country are considered. Special attention is paid to the factors influencing the decline in the population in the country, which must be taken into account when planning and implementing state and territorial programs to stimulate the birth rate, taking into account the main political and economic changes.

Social Aspects of the Demographic Situation in Uzbekistan

This article investigates the sociocultural dimensions of the demographic landscape in Uzbekistan, with a particular emphasis on population expansion, urbanization processes, and transformations in familial structures. The demographic populace of Uzbekistan has exhibited consistent growth, surpassing 36 million individuals in the year 2023, characterized by an annual increase rate of 1.5%. Current urbanization patterns indicate that half of the populace now inhabits urban locales, thereby engendering challenges in educational access, healthcare provision, and employment opportunities. The research employs data derived from national censuses alongside academic investigations to scrutinize these dynamics and offers policy recommendations aimed at alleviating their societal repercussions. Also, in this article, an attempt was made to predict the demograqfic state of birth, marriage, employment, urbanization and its prospective state in Uzbekistan.

Economic development and foreign trade: a сomparative analysis of the United States and China

The article presents a comparative analysis of socio-economic and foreign trade relationships between the United States and the People's Republic of China, two leading countries of the world economy, which exert maximum influence on global processes in economics and politicsas well as in world trade, investment activities and scientific and technical sphere. Today, the rivalry between the two powers has also intensified in the monetary and financial aspect due to the growing importance and share of the yuan in international settlements and government reserves of many countries. This situation continues to worsen smoothly, often having a negative impact on other countries, including the Russian Federation. The purpose of the article is to explore the current state of the demographic situation, the dynamics of GDP and trade turnover of the two countries, to characterize the current situation and identify trends in its development in the medium term, which will make it possible to form the positions and policies of other subjects of the world economy to ensure their stability and balance their actions. The article concludes that both countries are currently experiencing a period of socio-economic and foreign trade turbulence, and its range has not yet shown a tendency to decrease. It is often the United States that acts as the source of this turbulence, trying to overcome the negative processes in its own economy. Therefore, it is important for third countries, for example, Russia, to take consistent measures to ensure national, including foreign economic, security. The methodological basis of the research is statistical, comparative, graphical analysis, the study of reports and archives, calculations based on data from open international statistical databases and official websites of international economic organizations, the main purpose of which is to study the economic indicators of the United States and the People's Republic of China. The study period covers 2012–2023.

Демографічні аспекти вимушеної міграції українців до Чеської Республіки після російського повномасштабного вторгнення

The paper examines the scale and dynamics of Ukrainian forced migration to the Czech Republic following the Russian full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the demographic characteristics of Ukrainian war migrants, and the impact of this migration wave on the demographic situation in the Czech Republic. The study aimed to analyze the specific features of migration caused by the full-scale war, its reflection in demographic statistics, and to define the demographic profile of Ukrainian war migration to the Czech Republic. The research utilized statistical data provided by the Czech Statistical Office (Český statistický úřad) and applied methods of systematization and generalization, structural-logical and comparative analysis, statistical methods of structure and dynamics analysis, graphical data representation, and others. This type of study regarding Ukrainian war migrants to the Czech Republic has been conducted for the first time. Among European countries, the Czech Republic ranks third in the number of forced migrants from Ukraine, accumulating 8.4 % of the total number of Ukrainian war migrants in the European Union. It was found that the reflection of this migration wave in demographic statistics is influenced by organizational and accounting circumstances, such as the terms and procedures for extending temporary protection for war migrants, and the lack of specific “markers” in the statistics of demographic events for persons under temporary protection. Ukrainian war migration in the year of the Russian full-scale invasion led to a record increase in positive migration balance in the Czech Republic and increase in the share of individuals with Ukrainian citizenship in this country. The forced war migration wave in 2022 affected the demographic composition of both individuals with Ukrainian citizenship and the entire population of the Czech Republic through an increased share of women, who predominate among war migrants, and a slight slowdown in ageing and an increase in the share of the working-age population for two consecutive years. Among Ukrainians under temporary protection in the Czech Republic, there is a particularly high share of women aged 35 to 45 and boys aged 17—18, and also high proportion of children aged 10 to 14. During the years of the full-scale war, the number of marriages registered between Ukrainians in the Czech Republic has increased. In 2022—2023, due to the wave of war migration, the number of newborns with Ukrainian citizenship in the Czech Republic significantly increased, and their share in the total number of births among foreigners rose (by almost 30 percentage points in two years), although the total fertility rate of Ukrainian women was noticeably lower than the national average. The number of deaths among individuals with Ukrainian citizenship also increased due to the influx of war migrants, but this had a negligible impact on the level of mortality.

FORCED INTERNAL DISPLACEMENT OF THE UKRAINIAN POPULATION: RISKS RAISED BY WAR

The large-scale war forced millions of Ukrainians to leave their homes in search of safety. The mass displacement of the population led to an increase in the level of uncertainty and raised risks for both individuals and the whole of society. This article aims to assess the scale of internal migration in Ukraine during the war and to investigate the impact of this phenomenon on the quantitative and qualitative characteristics of the labor potential and the possibilities of its use. Our assessment of the number of internally displaced persons (IDPs), and our examination of the state of their adaptation and integration in the new territories of residence are based on administrative data about the registration of citizens as IDPs provided by social services as well as the surveys and research findings by international organizations and domestic sociological institutions. We present an overview of individual challenges and risks raised by the forced displacement of the population, and highlight the specific features of their manifestation. In particular, we single out an increase in the demographic burden, a decrease in the number of people of reproductive age, a reduction in the number of jobs, an increase in the burden on the budget, a drop in labor productivity, a loss or reduction in the income of a large part of the population, a limit of access to quality social services, as well as unemployment, deterioration of the quality of employment, increased social vulnerability, and weakening of social cohesion. Risks increase the probability of negative changes that lead to uncertainty, deterioration of the demographic situation, weakening of the stability of the economy, decline in the level and quality of life of the population, deepening of social inequality, growth of social tension, decline in the consumption capacity of the population, complete or partial loss of social ties and jobs. We offer recommendations regarding priorities and specific measures of the national state policy aimed at avoiding risks and minimizing their possible consequences. The implementation of this policy should be focused on establishing legal, economic, and institutional frameworks for easing tensions in the areas of material security and employment, improving the demographic situation as well as the quality and availability of social services, and improving living conditions.

DEMOGRAPHIC AGING TRENDS IN EU COUNTRIES AND UKRAINE

The article provides an analysis of trends in the development of the demographic aging process in the countries of the European Union and Ukraine based on the calculation of values of demographic aging (aging coefficient, aging index, demographic burden due to the elderly, age of values aging). The obtained data allow us to draw a conclusion about the convergence of most values of population aging in the EU as a whole, as well as to identify several groups of countries with the same aging values and demographic trends. As a result of the study, the authors identified 5 groups of countries that demonstrate: 1) the highest of aging and population aging rates; 2) the average values of the index and the aging coefficient, however, show high rates of growth of the aging population and demographic burden; 3) average values of aging, but reduced growth rates of the aging population; 4) average values of aging; 5) the lowest rates and values of population aging. The authors forecast changes in the age structure of the population in the EU until 2100, which showed that in the future the share of people aged 65+ will only increase, and this will require certain changes in the social life and economy of the countries of the studied region. The demographic situation that has developed in the studied region requires constant monitoring and accounting in strategic planning at all levels, as well as improvement of the social policy of the EU countries regarding the elderly.

ENSURING ECONOMIC SECURITY AT THE LOCAL LEVEL

The article examines regional economic security. The authors determined that it is a certain value that is a general reflection of the state of various spheres of the state. It was determined that the mechanism for ensuring the economic security of the region should contribute to the strengthening of the security of the economy in various regions, the improvement of the regulation of economic growth by the state can help thanks to the preparation of regional and territorial planning documentation, the formation of a comprehensive concept of risk control, including the active monetary policy of the state. It was analyzed and determined in the study that a comprehensive analysis of regional economic security should be based on the concept of indicators that show the main aspects of the state of production, science, technology, investment, society, as well as the demographic situation in the region.

Advantages, disadvantages and optimization of organ-sparing methods for uterine fibroids treatment

Introduction. Uterine fibroids (UF) are benign monoclonal hormone-depended tumors originating from smooth myocytes of cervix or body uterus affecting up to 29 % of women aged 15–45 years worldwide. Taking into account the current demographic situation and annually increasing tendency for pregnancy planning at older reproductive age, an organ-sparing strategy is becoming a first-priority approach for UF treatment.Aim: to investigate efficiency of selective progesterone receptors modulators (SPRM) for UF treatment in women of reproductive age.Materials and Methods. A prospective cohort study involved 40 patients with UF at average age of 39.3 ± 5.8 years. Using simple randomization, the patients were divided into 2 groups per 20 subjects in each. The average age of the patients was comparable and comprised 38.15 ± 5.65 and 40.5 ± 5.8 years in groups 1 and 2, respectively (p = 0.203). In both groups, after assessing liver function tests in accordance with the instructions, a treatment course with SPRM group drug (ulipristal acetate) was used at a daily dose of 5 mg for 84 days (1 course) with an interval until the onset of second menstruation after drug withdrawal. Group 1 and group 2 subjects received 2 and 3 therapy courses, respectively. After each course, patients underwent control ultrasound examinations (UE) by analyzing uterus volume and diameter of dominant myomatous node along with liver tests. A temporal quantitation of the difference between UF and dominant node two sizes as well as the maximum uterine volume size and effect size assessment was expressed as the difference of means (Δ) with a 95 % confidence interval (CI).Results. Based on UE data, the uterus size in group 1 was enlarged to an average of 129.49 ± 75.57 cm3, the maximum size of dominant node was 38.9 ± 17.38 mm; in group 2, the uterus was as large as 294.83 ± 161.37 cm3 with maximum size of the dominant node of 53.33 ± 25.48 mm. After therapy in group 1, dominant node size was significant regressed: after therapy course 1 an effect size of quantitated difference between UF two sizes and the dominant node (Δ) was 8.70 (4.11; 13.29) mm (p < 0.001). After therapy course 2 vs. therapy course 1, a size stabilization (Δ) was noted comprising 1.00 (–1.39; 3.39) mm (p = 0.390); the total effect (Δ) was 9.67 (–14.59; –4.75) mm (p <0.001). In group 2, after therapy course 1, the dominant node also regressed, with effect size (Δ) of 9.49 (7.08; 11.89) mm (p = 0.001). The effect (Δ) after therapy course 2 vs. therapy course 1 in group 2 was more prominent reaching 10.74 (5.86; 15.61) mm (p = 0.001). However, after therapy course 3, a larger node size was observed compared to therapy course 2 – (Δ) 8.25 (0.67; 15.83) mm (p = 0.329). Despite the lack of pronounced negative dynamics, based on medical indications 9 patients in group 2 underwent uterine artery embolization to prevent disease relapse.Conclusion. SPRM therapy can be used both as an independent means for MM therapy and in combination with surgical interventions. Such an approach allows for some women to become pregnant without preceding myomectomy, whereas for those approaching age-related menopause to avoid surgical treatment and gently enter natural postmenopause. Currently, conservative and surgical treatment methods for leiomyomas should complement each other to achieve the best clinical outcomes.

Evaluating Current Demographic Challenges in Ukraine due to the Forced Migration of Economically Active Citizens

The relevance of the research topic is driven by the increasing risks to demographic development due to the war in Ukraine and the outflow of the economically active population. The article outlines the importance of demographic processes for the country’s economic stability and social development. The research aims to analyse the impact of migration flows on Ukraine’s demographic situation and develop proposals for improving demographics. The methodology includes the analysis of the current state of demographics, migration processes, development scenarios, and possible measures to ensure development stability. The research results reveal the problems of demographic development through the geographical diversification of the economically active population. An essential area of the study in the article is the analysis of the impact of forced migration on the labour market, social structure, and economic development of Ukraine. The practical significance involves the development of recommendations for state policy regarding supporting demographic development during the war and the post-war period. The article aims to evaluate measures to stimulate the return of migrants, support birth rates, and improve social infrastructure. The analysis results may help develop strategic plans to restore Ukraine’s demographic potential. Measures to strengthen demographic stability and their possible implementation are presented in the face of current challenges. Further directions for optimising state policy to ensure sustainable demographic growth and economic development of the country are outlined.

GLOBAL DEMOGRAPHIC CHALLENGES: EXPERIENCE FOR KAZAKHSTAN

The demographic situation both in the world and in Kazakhstan is a significant problem that requires in-depth and comprehensive study. This study aims to examine changes in population size, fertility and mortality rates, as well as migration processes in various countries, including Japan, with an emphasis on their impact on global demographic trends. The main objective of the study is to identify the key trends and factors shaping demographic processes, and to assess the possibility of applying their experience in the conditions of Kazakhstan. To achieve this goal, various methods of processing statistical information are used, such as statistical analysis, the study of sources and literature, as well as the analysis of migration changes. The results of the study will help in the development of strategic documents that contribute to the effective solution of demographic problems, which is an important aspect for ensuring sustainable socio-economic growth.

Rural development: the basis for the realization of agrarian policy

Among the problems currently existing in the regions of Kazakhstan is the increasing outflow of able-bodied population from rural areas and localization in the suburban zone of cities. The aim- is to identify the causes of deterioration of the demographic situation in rural settlements (RS) and to develop recommendations for stabilization of the rural economy in the West Kazakhstan region. Methods - retrospective when obtaining data for past periods of time, comparative analysis - to compare the information obtained, on the basis of economic and statistical method the selection and analysis of statistical indicators of the Bureau of National Statistics of the Agency for Strategic Planning and Reforms of the Republic of Kazakhstan, used information from scientific institutions, official sources, defined absolute and relative parameters, average values. Results - it is shown that the main factors of degradation of most rural areas of Western Kazakhstan are the lack of a clear vision of the role and place of rural residents and rural areas in the socio-economic development of the republic, weakening of state regulation in the sectors of agriculture. Conclusions - the prospects for building the capacity of rural areas of the West Kazakhstan region is associated with a number of interrelated problems that need to be solved as soon as possible, primarily modernization of social and technical infrastructure, increasing the motivation of the economically active part of the rural population in mastering new knowledge and technologies, which will increase labor income and effective demand of rural residents for goods and services. The study indicates that in rural areas the situation with investment and expansion of small business activities is ambiguous. It is necessary to emphasize the small business entities in the sphere of agrarian production and the formation of social facilities - housing, catering enterprises, social and cultural facilities, education, pre-school education, sports and recreational facilities. This author's position provides for the possibility of forming greater investment attractiveness and attracting extra-budgetary sources of financing. Elimination of environmental barriers will require improvement of the current regulatory and legal framework.

Kazakhstani village: the need for radical transformation

Purpose - the tendencies of development of rural areas of Kazakhstan are shown. Methods - economic analysis, statistical methods were used in analyzing the data on the number of rural population in dynamics, graphical - for structuring the information and its visual presentation. Results - the article outlines the current trends and prospects of rural settlements (RS) of the republic, considers demographic processes, economic factors, migration flows. Special attention is paid to the state support initiatives aimed at improving the living standards of rural residents. The authors highlight the stages of building up the resources of rural areas of the country in the context of the implementation of state programs, each of which has specific goals and objectives aimed at improving the lives of rural residents, reducing their outflow from rural to urban areas caused by limited employment opportunities, low standard of living, insufficient access to quality services: education, health care. It is noted that in 20 regions of Kazakhstan adapted and implemented the program "One Village - One Product" (OVOP), focused on the production of the most promising products with high market potential, the creation of sustainable value chains of agricultural products for agricultural enterprises and farmers, promoting saturation of the domestic market with high-quality competitive food products. Conclusions - solving the problems of strengthening rural areas is in direct dependence on the effective policy of the state in the sphere of agro-industrial complex. Currently, emphasis is placed on the future of the Kazakhstani village, its modern infrastructure. Organizational, managerial and economic approaches, digitalization in agriculture allows to accelerate the pace of integrated socio-economic development of RS, increase the income of the rural population, stabilize the demographic situation and increase the investment attractiveness of territories.

Роль неравновесной динамики численности и генетической структуры популяций в межвидовых взаимодействиях большого (Spermophilus major Pall.) и крапчатого (Spermophilus sulicus Güld.) сусликов в широкой зоне симпатрии

The dynamics of the number and genetic structure of populations is one of the leading factors determining the success of the existence of populations in time and space. Based on observations (changes in numbers) and molecular genetic analysis data (CR and cyt b), the dynamics of the demographic and genetic structure of the populations of russet (Spermophilus major Pall.) and speckled (S. suslicus Güld.) ground squirrels in the sympatry zone were studied. A similar cyclical nature of the temporal dynamics of the genetic structure of populations in both sympatric species is shown.In the russet ground squirrel, a more ecologically plastic species and prone to migratory activity, population genetic processes occur on a large scale.The explosive demographic situation associated with the passage of populations through the “bottleneck” state is one of the factors leading to interspecific hybridization.

Application of the Foresight Method in the Educational Process of Higher Education

In conditions of increasing life expectancy, declining fertility, increased migration and other demographic changes, the Foresight method can help families and society prepare for new challenges and opportunities. For example, anticipating an increase in the number of elderly people may prompt the state to develop a support program for this category of the population, and forecasting an increase in migration may contribute to the development of integration programs for new immigrants. The Foresight method is relevant in the context of demographic changes, as it allows you to predict possible scenarios for the future development of the family and society based on the analysis of current data and trends. This will make it possible to make more informed decisions and develop new tools for the state to improve the demographic situation in the country. The Foresight method is also of great relevance in education, especially in the context of technological innovations. Thus, the purpose of the article is to study the demographic situation of the Russian Federation by the Foresight method in sociology classes. The authors believe that the interest in the Foresight method lies in the fact that it allows the students of the Faculty of Economics and Management of VSTU to develope strategic thinking and planning skills, to apply those in the field of demography as well as in their future professional activity. The article presents the results of a survey of first-year students of Volgograd State Technical University (VSTU) in relation to the demographic situation in the country. The positive and negative factors affecting the demographic situation are considered. Some measures to improve the demography of the Russian Federation are proposed. The proposed Foresight method in the educational process may be of interest to teachers and methodologists of higher education engaged in the development of new approaches to training students.

Sport and physical activities: actual Ukraine’s strategic narrative (in terms of encyclopedias)

Background and purpose Outline the importance of sports encyclopedias as a form of spreading and promoting a healthy lifestyle and popularizing high-achieving sports for the social and humanitarian development of Ukraine. Material and methods In the article, the primary used research methods are overview and descriptive analysis (an overview of academic publications indexed in Scopus, PubMed, Google Scholar, and National Library of Ukraine, as well as data on Ukrainian encyclopedias from the Corpus of Ukrainian Encyclopedias). This is a basis for descriptive analysis the capability of sports activities to improve the physical and mental (emotional, moral-volitional) resilience of the Ukraine’s population during wartime difficulty, the overall health level of the nation, and the demographic and accordingly economic situation in the country. Additionally, based on descriptive analysis, the potential of encyclopedias on sports and athletes in promoting a healthy lifestyle and physical activities among the population is examined). Reflection method is also used: authors offer a vision of how encyclopedic knowledge about sports and athletes should be structured to help improve the nation’s health, demographic, and economic situations, and thus resistance to Russian aggression). Results The war in Ukraine significantly damages the population’s health, adversely affecting the demographic and economic situation in the country. As a result, state humanitarian policy must focus on finding ways to counter these threats and emerging from this crisis. The article emphasizes that targeted, systematic development of sports and physical culture should be among the state policy priorities, as sports and physical activities improve population health. Authors show that promoting physical culture and a healthy lifestyle is crucial in this process, necessitating the studying of various information sources that can disseminate sports relevant knowledge and identifying the most effective ones. Conclusions Based on extensive justifications, the article proposes the idea of creating a Ukrainian sports encyclopedia as a means of promoting a healthy lifestyle among the Ukrainians, particularly essential in the post-war period. This would contribute to Ukraine's restoration by improving its demographic, socio-economic situation, and encouraging the return of Ukrainian refugees. The potential of a sports encyclopedia lies in highlighting and popularizing distinguished athletes who have achieved success and are respected globally, serving as role models, especially for the young generation of the country. The encyclopedic promotion of famous Ukrainian athletes is considered an effective mechanism for fostering a healthy lifestyle and patriotic feelings among Ukrainian citizens. The preparation of such a publication should rely on global encyclopedic-biographical experience, modern information technologies, and academic knowledge.

Sanitary and Chemical Analysis of Drinking Water and Laboratory Control of the Content of Toxic Elements of Pesticides and Mycotoxins in Food Products

Relevance of the study: nutrition is the most important factor in maintaining health, normal growth and development of children and adolescents, preventing a number of diseases, maintaining high performance of the adult population, maintaining active longevity. Drinking water and food are necessary for the existence of humans and all life on Earth. Issues related to increasing responsibility for the effectiveness and objectivity of quality control of drinking water and food products are relevant in guaranteeing their safety for the health of consumers. Objectives of the study: to study the quality of drinking water and the efficiency of the water supply system in Osh in the period from 2020 to 2023; analysis of compliance of drinking water quality with sanitary and chemical standards; development of recommendations for improving the quality of water and the water supply system in Osh. Determination of toxic elements, pesticides and mycotoxins in food products, determination of physicochemical indicators and toxic elements in drinking water, pesticides and mycotoxins in food products was carried out in accordance with regulatory documents of GOST and the maximum permissible concentration. The test results showed the normal and permissible levels of pH, total iron, fluorides, hardness, dry residue, ammonia, nitrates, etc. in water, and the content of aflatoxin B1, the mass concentration of cadmium and lead, hexachlorane, dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane in food products. For a more in-depth analysis, it is recommended to use additional data on climatic conditions, geological features of the region, as well as the demographic situation in Osh.

Youth migration as a challenge to the socio-economic development of the Russian Far East: Evidence from the Amur Oblast

Subject. This article discusses the areas of regional policy to create conditions for improving the migration attractiveness of the Russian Far East. Objectives. The article aims to assess the scale and factors of migration activity of young people, and analyze its impact on the socio-economic development of the Russian Far East. Methods. For the study, we used a statistical analysis. Results. The article finds that young people of the Amur Oblast are inclined to migrate to receive quality education, employment, and improve living conditions. This trend has a significant impact on the demographic situation and economic prospects of the Oblast, leading to a brain drain and reduction in the labor force in key sectors of the economy. The article offers recommendations for regional authorities related to the social infrastructure's improvement, development of educational programmes, and the creation of jobs for young people. Conclusions. The study confirms the need to develop and implement a targeted migration policy that takes into account the specifics of socio-economic transformations in the Russian Far East regions.

Marriages and divorces in the Arctic zone of the Sakha (Yakutia) Republic in 2000–2022

BACKGROUND: One of the primary concerns for national security in the Russain Arctic today is the declining population. A decrease in population over the last decade has also been observed in the Arctic zone of the Sakha (Yakutia) Republic. This trend can be attributed to unfavorable medical and demographic factors, such as low birth rates and relatively high mortality rates in the 13 districts that belong to the Arctic zone. We hypothesize that low marriage rates in most of the Arctic districts may also contribute to population decline. AIM: To describe marriage and divorce rates in the Arctic zone of the Sakha (Yakutia) Republic in 2000–2022. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A descriptive study. Materials from the official government statistics were used. Initially, marriage- and divorce rates were calculated using the percentile method in all districts of the republic. Then the analysis was performed using the data from 13 Arctic districts. Associations between the variables were studied by correlation analysis RESULTS: Both marriage- and divorce rates were relatively low in the Arctic districts as demonstrated by the data in tables and charts and supported by the results of the correlation analysis. CONCLUSION: The Arctic regions of the Sakha (Yakutia) Republic face challenges due to relatively low marriage- and divorce rates, which exacerbate the already unfavorable medical and demographic situation. In order to address these issues and improve the demographic policy in the region, specific recommendations have been developed for the municipal leaders of the Sakha (Yakutia) Republic.

Analysis of the influence of living conditions, as a collection of social factors within the environment, on mortality rates among the rural and urban populations of the Nenets autonomous okrug from 2000 to 2019

BACKGROUND: Currently, in the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation (AZRF), there are evident indications of a deterioration in the medical and demographic situation amidst a lack of adequate social infrastructure development. For the first time, we attempted to analyze the impact of living conditions, which encompass various social factors within the habitat, shaped by the social infrastructure, on the mortality rates of the population of one of the regions within AZRF. AIM: To assess the impact of living conditions, as a set of social factors within the environment, on the mortality rates among the rural and urban populations of the Nenets autonomous okrug (NAO) in the period from 2000 to 2019. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The databases “Housing and communal services and social infrastructure in NAO in 2000-2019” and “Death cases in NAO in 2000–2019” including information on the population number and age and gender structure of the NAO population across individual settlements have been collected. Using the scoring system for assessing living conditions, a ranking with subsequent division into tertiles of all rural NAO settlements was carried out according to the value of the integral index of living conditions (IILC). A comparative analysis (tertiles with the city, and tertiles with each other) of average annual age-standardized rates of overall mortality, mortality from the main causes and structural components of external causes (EC) of mortality was performed. Relative risks were calculated as the ratio of mortality rates in each tertile to the corresponding indicator for the urban population. RESULTS: Average annual standardized rates and relative risks of mortality (total, EC, drowning, freezing, alcohol poisoning and transport accidents) of the NAO population demonstrated a “step by step” increase in the sequence “city — highest tertile — middle tertile — lowest tertile”, i.e. as living conditions worsen and as the IILC decreases. Statistically significant differences were identified between the city and tertiles, as well as between the highest (“favorable” living conditions) and lowest (“unfavorable” living conditions) tertiles in terms of total mortality, mortality from EC, drowning and freezing. Mortality rates from alcohol poisoning and transport accidents also increased as living conditions worsened, although the associations did reach the level of statistical significance. With the exception of suicides, the relative risks of mortality for individual EC reached maximum values in the lowest tertile of living conditions. CONCLUSION: Statistically significant inverse associations between total mortality, mortality from external causes and its main structural components, and the values of the integral index of living conditions have been identified among the rural population of NAO. A decrease in living conditions was significantly associated with an increase in mortality rates and relative risks.