Experience of using the TOPSIS method for multi-criteria assessment of the medical and demographic situation in the Republic of Bashkortostan

The aim of the study. A multi-criteria assessment of the medical and demographic situation in the territorial units of the Republic of Bashkortostan. The motivation of the study is a necessity to diagnose emerging problems and evaluate the effectiveness of social programs and policies carried out in municipalities.

Materials and methods. The information base of the study is a data published by the Medical Information and Analytical Center of the Republic of Bashkortostan. Fourteen indicators, characterizing medical resources and medical efficiency of healthcare, population health and the demographic situation in 2022 were in use. Calculations were carried out for  sixty two territories, including 54 municipal districts and 8 urban districts. TOPSIS was used as a multi-criteria assessment method, the weights of the indicators were determined using the entropy weighting method.

Results. According to the calculations, the most favorable medical and demographic situation is in the industrially developed territories of the Republic (Ufa, Sterlitamak, Oktyabrsky, Kumertau, Tuymazinsky, Meleuzovsky and Birsky districts). Three northern territories of the Republic of Bashkortostan (Karaidelsky, Duvansky and Kiginsky districts) also fall into this category; they have a highly developed recreational component and a large inter-district medical center (Mesyagutovo village). Two territories (Abzelilovsky and Zianchurinsky districts) fall into this category largely due to the high birth rate, traditional for these rural areas. The most unfavorable medical and demographic situation is in the northwestern territories, as well as the Kuyurgazinsky, Sharansky, Arkhangelsky and Belokataysky districts, which are very remote from the capital and are leaders in terms of high natural population decline.

Limitations. The calculations were performed based on data for 2022 only. Performing calculations for several periods would allow assessing the stability of the estimates obtained. The set of indicators included in the analysis also requires further clarification.

Conclusion. The findings are useful for making targeted decisions in the field of regional healthcare system management.

Compliance with ethical standards. The conclusion of the biomedical ethics committee or other documents (in Russian and English) is not required.

Contribution:
Rakhmanin Yu.A. — the concept and design of the study, editing;
Askarov R.A. — the concept and design of the study, editing;
Frants M.V. — collection and processing data, editing;
Lakman I.A. — writing text, editing.
All authors are responsible for the integrity of all parts of the manuscript and approval of the manuscript final version.

Conflict of interest. The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Funding. The study had no sponsorship.

Received: July 30, 2025 / Revised: September 24, 2025 / Accepted: November 3, 2025 / Published: December 19, 2025

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