LIFESTYLE BEHAVIORS AND SOCIO-DEMOGRAPHIC CORRELATES: AN ONLINE CROSS-SECTIONAL SURVEY

Introduction: Healthy lifestyle behaviours are essential for preventing noncommunicable diseases and improving population health. Rural populations often face disparities in access to health information and resources. This study examined the socio-demographic determinants of lifestyle behaviors, focusing on diet and physical activity, among adults in the rural Zhetisay district, Turkestan region, Kazakhstan. Methods: A pilot cross-sectional study was conducted among adult rural residents of the Zhetisay district, Turkestan region. Data were collected through an anonymous online questionnaire. The survey included questions on socio-demographic characteristics (age, gender, education level, employment and financial household status) and behavioural components of a healthy lifestyle, including physical activity, tobacco use, alcohol consumption, and dietary patterns. Descriptive and analytical statistical methods were used to analyze the data. Results: Participants were mostly aged 18–60 years (n=84, 82.4%), female (n=67, 65.7%), and had higher education (n=72, 70.6%). Most were employed (n=61, 59.8%) and financially comfortable (n=60, 58.8%). Alcohol and tobacco use were low, with 90.2% (n=92) reporting no alcohol consumption and 92.2% (n=94) identified as non-smokers. Dietary patterns showed moderate vegetable intake (36.3%, n=37 consuming ≥2 servings/day) but suboptimal fruit consumption (28.4%, n= 29 ≥2/day). Red meat was frequently consumed (70.6%, n=72 ≥3/week), while fish and seafood intake was low (14.7%, n=15 ≥3/week). Salt intake was high, with 41.2% (n=42) always adding salt to meals. Based on the Dietary Quality Score, 28.4% (n=29) of participants had good dietary quality, 52.0% (n=53) moderate, and 19.6% (n=20) poor diet quality. Physical activity levels were distributed as low in 30.1% (n=31), moderate in 36.3% (n= 37), and high in 33.6% (n=34) of participants. No significant associations were found between socio-demographics and either diet quality or physical activity (all p > 0.05). Conclusions: Among rural adults in Zhetisay, alcohol and tobacco use were minimal, physical activity was moderate, but dietary quality was suboptimal. Fruit and vegetable intake was low, red meat consumption frequent, and salt use high. Lifestyle behaviors were largely consistent across socio-demographic groups, suggesting the need for targeted interventions to improve diet quality while sustaining physical activity.