Georgian medical news最新文献

{"title":"PSYCHONEUROLOGICAL THERAPY FOR POST-COVID SYNDROME: A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW OF METHODS AND CLINICAL EFFECTIVENESS.","authors":"N Veretova, A Samigullina, A Baialieva, R Abdyldaev, B Muratbekova","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Post-COVID syndrome has emerged as a major global health issue characterized by long-lasting psychoneurological symptoms, including cognitive impairment, anxiety, depression, sleep disturbances, and fatigue. These symptoms can persist regardless of the severity of the initial SARS-CoV-2 infection and often result in long-term functional limitations. The purpose of this review was to summarize current evidence on psychoneurological therapeutic approaches used to manage post-COVID syndrome and evaluate their clinical effectiveness.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A structured literature review was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, MEDLINE, and Google Scholar. Eligible studies included randomized controlled trials, observational studies, and clinical reports published up to 2024 that examined pharmacological, psychotherapeutic, physical, complementary, or neuromodulation-based treatments for adults with persistent psychoneurological symptoms after COVID-19. The review followed standard ethical practices for narrative reviews; no new human or animal data were collected, and therefore ethical approval or CTRI registration was not required. Findings were synthesized narratively by therapy category.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The review identified consistent evidence supporting the efficacy of multiple therapeutic modalities. Pharmacological agents including SSRIs, SNRIs, anxiolytics, and nootropics reduced anxiety, depression, and cognitive dysfunction. Psychotherapeutic methods such as cognitive behavioral therapy, psychodynamic therapy, and mindfulness-based interventions improved emotional regulation and coping. Physical rehabilitation, aerobic exercise, and breathing practices enhanced endurance and reduced fatigue. Complementary approaches (e.g., acupuncture, massage) provided additional symptom relief. Neuromodulation techniques, including transcranial magnetic stimulation and electroconvulsive therapy, demonstrated benefits in treatment-resistant cases.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Psychoneurological therapy for post-COVID syndrome requires a multimodal approach that integrates pharmacological, psychological, physical, and neuromodulatory interventions. Current evidence suggests that individualized, combined strategies are most effective for improving cognitive, emotional, and functional outcomes. Further research is needed to optimize treatment protocols and evaluate long-term effectiveness.</p>","PeriodicalId":12610,"journal":{"name":"Georgian medical news","volume":" 376-377","pages":"445-451"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149108068","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"PSYCHOLOGICAL WELL-BEING AMONG MEDICAL STUDENTS AT FIVE UNIVERSITIES IN TBILISI, GEORGIA: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY OF PERCEIVED STRESS, ANXIETY, AND SLEEP QUALITY.","authors":"T Jangirashvili, G Kikoria, N Tevdorashvili, L Kapanadze, N Odikadze","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Aim of study: </strong>Medical students carry a heavier psychological burden than the general student population, and data from Georgia and the South Caucasus region are scarce. The present study aimed to describe levels of perceived stress, anxiety, and sleep disturbance among medical students at five universities in Tbilisi, Georgia, and to compare these outcomes across years of undergraduate medical training.</p><p><strong>Material and methods: </strong>A cross-sectional observational study enrolled 300 medical students from five universities, all located in Tbilisi, Georgia, using stratified purposive sampling rather than random selection (n = 60 per institution; n = 50 per year of study). Data were collected face-to-face during March-April 2026 using the English-language versions of three validated self-report instruments: the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10), the Generalized Anxiety Disorder scale (GAD-7), and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Analyses included Pearson correlations, independent-samples t-tests, and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) with Tukey post-hoc comparisons. Ethics approval was obtained from the Research Development and Support Department of Georgian American University (No. #ethc-00012026).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The mean PSS-10 score was 26.20 (SD=8.19); 96.3% of students fell in the moderate-to-high stress range. The mean GAD-7 score was 13.45 (SD=5.72); 73.7% met criteria for moderate-to-severe anxiety. A total of 58.0% reported fairly or very bad sleep quality. All three outcomes were significantly intercorrelated: PSS-10 vs. GAD-7 (r=0.736, P<0.001); PSS-10 vs. PSQI disturbance (r=0.561, P<0.001). Senior students (years 4-6) reported significantly higher stress than junior students (years 1-3): t(298)=-5.379, P<0.001, Cohen's d=0.62. One-way ANOVA showed higher scores in successive years of study: F(5,294)=8.220, P<0.001, η²=0.123, with the highest mean in year 6 (29.84).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Psychological distress was highly prevalent in this sample, and stress scores were higher in later years of study. Year 3, when students move from preclinical to clinical training, marked the point at which scores began to rise. Because the sample was purposive and limited to Tbilisi, the findings should not be generalized to all medical students in Georgia. Within these limits, the results support routine mental health screening and stronger support services at the participating universities.</p>","PeriodicalId":12610,"journal":{"name":"Georgian medical news","volume":" 376-377","pages":"17-23"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149108109","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"SOME BIOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS ASSOCIATED WITH GESTATIONAL DIABETES.","authors":"J Gobadze, M Nagervadze, T Gogitidze, N Bejanidze, T Koiava","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This study investigated the relationships between specific biological factors and the risk of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). A retrospective case-control study was conducted in pregnant women with GDM and in healthy pregnant women who served as a control group. ABO and Rh blood groups, maternal age, pre-pregnancy and third-trimester body mass index (BMI), and first-trimester thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and free thyroxine (FT4) levels were analyzed in both groups. Associations were assessed using the chi-square (χ²) test, together with odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). Our research shows no significant association between ABO or Rh blood groups and the risk of GDM. Advanced maternal age is a moderate risk factor for GDM (OR=1.92, 95% CI: 1.07-3.42, χ²=8.16, p=0.043). Elevated maternal BMI was strongly associated with GDM risk OR=13.98. 95% CI: 4.8 - 40.9, χ²=43.40, and P<0.0001. FT4 imbalance was more prevalent among women with GDM (OR=3.34, 95% CI: 1.72-6.55, χ²=14.29, p=0.0008). TSH alterations were associated with GDM to a lesser extent. Our research shows that maternal age, BMI, and FT4 imbalance emerged as relevant risk factors for the development of GDM. ABO and Rh blood groups did not appear to be independent contributors to GDM. Early identification of such risk factors is essential for the timely management and prevention of GDM.</p>","PeriodicalId":12610,"journal":{"name":"Georgian medical news","volume":" 376-377","pages":"341-348"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149108048","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"COMPARATIVE EFFICACY OF 200 UNITS VERSUS 155 UNITS OF ONABOTULINUMTOXIN A FOR CHRONIC MIGRAINE.","authors":"W Alkhaffaf, M Alkataan","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Migraine is a common neurological condition; it can be classed as episodic or chronic. In chronic migraine (CM), one of therapies have been revealed efficacy is onabotulinumtoxin A (OnaBT-A).</p><p><strong>Aim of study: </strong>To confirm that the effect of OnaBT-A treatment is dose dependent for the treatment of CM Material and methods: This prospective, randomized, comparative study was carried out at a private neurological clinic in Mosul, Iraq. This study comprised a total of 106 patients who met the diagnostic criteria for CM. Two groups of patients were formed. The first group received 200 U of OnaBT-A by local injection, the second group received 155 U. Each group received OnaBT-A at the start of the trial, as well as after 12 weeks. The outcome indicators which include: monthly headache frequency, attack severity, duration of headaches, and disability, were collected and recorded at the baseline, at week 12 and at week 24.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>All headache outcome variables showed significant improvement with both treatment regimens. The efficacy of these treatment approaches is confirmed by the statistically significant p-values' consistency across both groups. The most significant gains were seen in the 1st group with the higher dose.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The study concludes that administering 200 U of OnaBT-A, significantly decreases the frequency and duration of headaches when compared to 155 U. It recommends considering this dosage for patients who do not accomplish adequate relief with 155 U of OnaBT-A. The promising outcomes suggest a need for further studies into long-term effects and evaluation of higher dosages.</p>","PeriodicalId":12610,"journal":{"name":"Georgian medical news","volume":" 376-377","pages":"381-388"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149108092","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"ADVANCES IN RESEARCH OF PSYCHOTHERAPY FOR SOCIAL ANXIETY DISORDER.","authors":"Yueyue Lu, Yigao Wu","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD) is a common anxiety disorder characterized by a persistent fear of negative evaluation, avoidance of social situations, and significant impairment in social functioning. Psychological interventions for SAD have expanded considerably in recent years, with increasing attention to treatment mechanisms, alternative delivery formats, and emerging intervention targets. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) remains one of the most extensively studied psychological treatments for SAD, while mindfulness-based interventions, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy (VRET), and emerging integrative approaches have broadened the range of therapeutic targets and treatment strategies. This review synthesizes recent domestic and international research on psychological interventions for SAD, focusing on their theoretical foundations, empirical evidence, therapeutic targets, and clinical characteristics. Overall, current evidence supports the efficacy of CBT, while mindfulness-based interventions, ACT, VRET, and emerging integrative approaches show varying levels of evidence and require further investigation. Digital technologies are increasingly incorporated into established psychological interventions and should be understood primarily as delivery modalities rather than independent treatment categories. Future research should place greater emphasis on treatment mechanisms, active components, patient-treatment matching, and the long-term maintenance and functional significance of treatment gains.</p>","PeriodicalId":12610,"journal":{"name":"Georgian medical news","volume":" 376-377","pages":"24-31"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149108128","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"FIRST-VOID URINE VERSUS URETHRAL SWAB FOR MOLECULAR DETECTION OF SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED INFECTIONS IN MEN WITH MULTIPLE SEXUAL PARTNERS.","authors":"D Shishniashvili, Z Bedinashvili, K Tsomaia, L Svanadze, N Chkhikvishvili, G Durglishvili","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Sexually transmitted infections remain a major clinical and global public health burden. Nucleic acid amplification tests are recommended for the molecular detection of urogenital sexually transmitted infections. Although physician-collected urethral swabs have traditionally been used for STI testing in men, swab collection is invasive and may cause substantial discomfort. First-void urine is a promising non-invasive alternative that can support molecular STI testing and screening in men.</p><p><strong>Aim of study: </strong>To compare first-void urine with physician-collected urethral swab specimens for PCR-based detection of sexually transmitted infections in men with multiple sexual partners.</p><p><strong>Material and methods: </strong>A prospective paired specimen-comparison study included 148 men aged 22-49 years. Urethral swabs were collected first by a physician, followed by the collection of the initial 20-30 mL of first-void urine. PCR testing targeted Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Mycoplasma genitalium, and Trichomonas vaginalis. Paired results were analyzed using exact McNemar tests and Cohen's kappa.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>At least one STI pathogen was detected in 128 of 148 men (86.5%). First-void urine detected at least one pathogen in 128 participants, whereas the urethral swab detected at least one pathogen in 100 participants. All 28 participant-level discordant results were first-void urine-positive/urethral swab-negative (p<0.001). First-void urine yielded higher detection for C. trachomatis (43 vs 38; p=0.063), N. gonorrhoeae (55 vs 45; p=0.002), and M. genitalium (75 vs 62; p=0.0002). T. vaginalis detection was identical in both specimens (27 vs 27).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>First-void urine demonstrated equal or higher molecular detection yield than urethral swab for all four STI pathogens studied, supporting its use as a practical specimen for molecular STI testing in men with multiple sexual partners.</p>","PeriodicalId":12610,"journal":{"name":"Georgian medical news","volume":" 376-377","pages":"246-252"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149108180","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"COMPARATIVE EVALUATION OF TWO HERBAL MOUTHWASHES AND CHLORHEXIDINE ON CALPROTECTIN IN GINGIVITIS PATIENTS: A DOUBLE-BLIND RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIAL.","authors":"H Abdulameer, R Badeia","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Gingivitis is a reversible inflammatory condition primarily caused by dental biofilm accumulation. Gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) serves as a non-invasive diagnostic medium reflecting periodontal status. Biomarkers such as Calprotectin (biomarker of neutrophil-mediated inflammatory activity) are associated with immune activation and periodontal inflammation and have also been associated with systemic conditions.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>To evaluate the efficacy of two herbal mouthwashes-GEM (propolis, neem, and chlorophyll) and Propolinse (propolis and green tea)-compared with chlorhexidine on Calprotectin in gingivitis patients.</p><p><strong>Material and methods: </strong>Forty-four male patients with generalized gingivitis were randomly assigned into four groups (n=11). Participants used GEM, Propolinse, 0.12% alcohol-free CHX, or distilled water (control) twice daily for 7 days alongside mechanical oral hygiene. Clinical parameters (Plaque Index (PI), Gingival Index (GI), Bleeding on Probing (BOP)) and GCF biomarkers were assessed at baseline and after 7 days. GCF samples were collected from maxillary anterior teeth by periopaper strips. Calprotectin concentrations were measured via ELISA. SPSS was used for statistical analysis, with a significance threshold of p<0.05.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>All groups showed significant improvements in PLI, GI, and BOP (p≤0.001). And all groups showed significant decreases in calprotectin levels, with no statistically significant intergroup differences observed in mean change values (p=0.760). Notably, herbal formulations demonstrated greater reduction in calprotectin (a neutrophil-derived biomarker), suggesting differential modulation of immune pathways.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Both herbal mouthwashes and 0.12% chlorhexidine demonstrated comparable anti-inflammatory effects. Propolis-based formulations may represent effective adjunctive alternatives in the short-term management of gingivitis, potentially exerting differential effects on neutrophil-mediated inflammatory responses, with possible implications for systemic inflammatory conditions.</p>","PeriodicalId":12610,"journal":{"name":"Georgian medical news","volume":" 376-377","pages":"331-340"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149108014","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"DERMATOLOGIC SURGERY ROUNDS: THE LIMBERG FLAP AND V-TO-T CLOSURE FOR CUTANEOUS/ MUCOCUTANEOUS DEFECTS FOLLOWING SKIN CANCER EXCISION IN HIGH-RISK FACIAL REGIONS.","authors":"G Tchernev, KG Jr Tchernev, S Kordeva","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Dermatologic and reconstructive surgery involves a range of techniques aimed at maximizing tissue preservation while minimizing postoperative functional impairment. Although classical reconstructive methods remain safe and effective, ongoing innovations enable refinement of established approaches and may contribute to improved tissue preservation as well as enhanced functional and aesthetic outcomes. We present two independent cases involving small-to-medium sized primary defects following surgical excision of a zygomatic cutaneous lesion and a lower lip mucosal/cutaneous lesion. Given the anatomical differences between these regions, individualized reconstructive strategies were employed: in the first case, a classical Limberg flap was used to restore the cheek contour without distortion, achieving favorable functional and aesthetic outcomes; in the second case, a V-to-T closure was performed, resulting in a refined postoperative outcome compared with alternative and classical flap designs considered preoperatively.</p>","PeriodicalId":12610,"journal":{"name":"Georgian medical news","volume":" 376-377","pages":"169-174"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149108026","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"CARDIAC STRAIN IN WOMEN WITH A DOCUMENTED HISTORY OF OVERT OR SUBCLINICAL HYPOTHYROIDISM: AN EXPLORATORY SPECKLE-TRACKING ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY STUDY.","authors":"T Abramishvili, K Papava, M Mamisashvili, M Tkeshelashvili, B Tsinamdzgvrishvili","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Aim: </strong>To compare conventional and speckle-tracking echocardiographic parameters, with a prespecified focus on left atrial (LA) contractile strain, between women with a documented history of hypothyroidism and euthyroid controls.</p><p><strong>Material and methods: </strong>This retrospective case-control analysis included 86 women: 36 with a previously documented diagnosis of overt or subclinical hypothyroidism and 50 controls documented as euthyroid. The hypothyroid cohort was clinically heterogeneous and included treated and untreated participants; 31 (86.1%) were receiving L-thyroxine. Conventional transthoracic echocardiography and two-dimensional speckle-tracking analysis were evaluated. LA contractile strain was the prespecified primary outcome; other echocardiographic comparisons were exploratory. Multivariable linear regression adjusted for age, body mass index, diastolic blood pressure, and heart rate.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The hypothyroid group was younger than controls. Left ventricular ejection fraction was preserved in both groups. Hypothyroid participants had lower LV volumes, LA volume index, pulmonary artery systolic pressure, and right-ventricular (RV) S'. RV free-wall strain and the magnitude of LA contractile strain were lower, whereas LV global longitudinal strain, RV global longitudinal strain, LA reservoir strain, and LA conduit strain did not differ. In the subset with available free thyroxine data (n=21), FT4 correlated with signed LA contractile strain (ρ=0.524, p=0.015). After adjustment, hypothyroidism was not independently associated with LA contractile strain (B=2.634, 95% CI -0.081 to 5.349; p=0.057); heart rate remained independently associated (B=-0.145, 95% CI -0.263 to -0.027; p=0.017).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>In this heterogeneous cohort of women with treated or untreated overt or subclinical hypothyroidism, unadjusted differences in RV free-wall and LA contractile strain were observed. The adjusted analysis did not establish an independent association between hypothyroidism and LA contractile strain. These exploratory findings require confirmation in prospectively recruited, age-matched cohorts with standardized biochemical phenotyping.</p>","PeriodicalId":12610,"journal":{"name":"Georgian medical news","volume":" 376-377","pages":"51-56"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149108041","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"POPULATION KNOWLEDGE, RISK PERCEPTION, GOVERNANCE AND PUBLIC HEALTH DETERMINANTS OF COVID-19 IN GEORGIA: A NATIONAL CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY.","authors":"N Buadze, N Kazakhashvili","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Introduction: &lt;/strong&gt;The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on public health systems both globally and in Georgia. It highlighted the importance of health system preparedness, risk communication, governance mechanisms, population behavior, and access to healthcare services. Despite the growing body of international evidence, a comprehensive assessment of the determinants of COVID-19 and the associated public health challenges in Georgia remains limited.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Aim: &lt;/strong&gt;The aim of this study was to assess the determinants of COVID-19 among the population of Georgia and to identify the social, behavioral, and governance-related factors influencing the effectiveness of pandemic management.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Objectives: &lt;/strong&gt;• To assess the population's knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding COVID-19 in Georgia. • To evaluate the social, demographic, and behavioral determinants associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. • To assess public perceptions of government regulations, risk communication, and public health interventions. • To identify the factors influencing the effectiveness of COVID-19 pandemic management.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Methods: &lt;/strong&gt;A quantitative, analytical, population-based cross-sectional study was conducted to assess knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) related to the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the social, behavioral, and governance determinants of COVID-19 among the population of Georgia. The target population comprised adults aged 18 years and older who were permanent residents of Georgia. The minimum required sample size was calculated using OpenEpi (Version 3.01) with a 95% confidence level, a 5% margin of error, and an assumed population proportion of 50%, resulting in a minimum sample of 384 participants. A total of 386 respondents were included in the study. A multistage stratified sampling design was employed. In the first stage, Georgia was stratified into 11 geographical strata (Tbilisi and 10 administrative regions). The sample was allocated proportionally to population size (Probability Proportional to Size, PPS) based on the official 2024 population statistics published by the National Statistics Office of Georgia (Geostat). Population data processing and regional sample allocation were performed using IBM SPSS Statistics version 23.0. In the second stage, each region was further stratified into urban and rural areas. A sampling frame was developed for each stratum, based on which municipalities and settlements were selected. The number of respondents was allocated according to a predefined fieldwork plan, ensuring the representativeness of all regions of Georgia as well as both urban and rural populations. Data were collected using a structured electronic questionnaire. Statistical analyses were performed using IBM SPSS Statistics version 23.0. Descriptive statistics included absolute and relative frequencies, means, and standard deviations. Associations between categ","PeriodicalId":12610,"journal":{"name":"Georgian medical news","volume":" 376-377","pages":"404-422"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149107569","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}