Evaluation of alcohol use behavior among patients cured through HCV elimination program in Georgia.

Objective: The objective of the study was to understand the role of self-reported drinking behavior on liver health after achieving sustained viral response (SVR) among HCV patients.

Results: The study was conducted in HCV treatment provider clinics in three cities in Georgia: Tbilisi, Batumi, and Telavi. Face-to-face interviews were conducted using a questionnaire developed specifically for this study.

Seroconversion of hepatitis B vaccine among patients from outpatient clinic in Georgia.

Introduction: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a serious global health challenge with vaccination being the most effective preventive measure. However, several risk-factors may impact HBV vaccine immunogenicity. We aimed to evaluate the immunogenicity of the HBV vaccine.

Barriers of linkage to HCV viremia testing among people who inject drugs in Georgia.

Background: People who inject drugs (PWID) in Georgia have a high prevalence of hepatitis C virus antibody (anti-HCV). Access to care among PWID could be prioritized to meet the country's hepatitis C elimination goals. This study assesses barriers of linkage to HCV viremia testing among PWID in Georgia.

Door-to-door hepatitis C screening in Georgia: An innovative model to increase testing and linkage to care.

Objectives: Georgia has a high prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. In 2015 a national HCV elimination program was launched providing free access to screening and treatment. To achieve elimination, innovative approaches to increase screening coverage and linkage to care are needed.

AWARENESS AND ATTITUDE TOWARDS COVID-19 AMONG STUDENTS OF MEDICAL UNIVERSITIES IN TBILISI, GEORGIA.

On December 31st, 2019, a disease, now known as COVID-19, caused by novel coronavirus was detected in Wuhan, China. Since then, new cases of COVID-19 emerge all over the world each day, having a fatal outcome chiefly in those who belong to high risk groups. In order to prevent the disease spread, health regulations have been brought in by the authorities.

KNOWLEDGE RELATED TO THE NOVEL CORONAVIRUS (SARS-COV-2) AMONG GEORGIAN POPULATION.

Georgia confirmed its first case of SARS-COV-2 infection on February 26, 2020. Despite the government's proactive measures during the early stages of the epidemic, number of new infections of SARS-COV-2 is increasing and by March 31, a total of 110 cases have been reported. Limited understanding about epidemics can lead to panic and disrupt public health efforts to contain transmission.

KNOWLEDGE OF GEORGIAN POPULATION TOWARDS AIR POLLUTION AND HEALTH EFFECTS OF LEAD CONTAMINATION.

The goal of this study was to assess the level of knowledge about air pollution and the health effects of lead exposure among the population of Georgia. In 2019, a project entitled "Protect Environment" was conducted by the National Center for Disease Control and Public Health and the Health Research Union. The online survey was carried out using a Facebook advertisement, which included the title, body text, the banner, and a link to the questionnaire.

AWARENESS OF CANCER SCREENING AMONG GEORGIAN PRIMARY CARE PHYSICIANS.

Despite the development of new diagnostic and treatment tools, cancer remains one of the leading public health challenges of developed and developing countries. According to the National Center for Disease control and Public Health (NCDC), incidence of all cancer cases in 2018 was 258.6 per 100.

GENDER RELATED BARRIERS TO TUBERCULOSIS IN GEORGIA.

The morbidity and mortality burden of tuberculosis (TB) remains high in Georgia, including drug-resistant TB. A survey was conducted to identify potential gender-based barriers and contributing factors that might influence the timely diagnosis and treatment of TB among active and former TB patients. To assess TB-related stigma and discrimination, a quantitative study was conducted to identify gender-based barriers to the diagnosis and treatment of TB among current and former patients.

KNOWLEDGE RELATED TO HIV/TB/HCV AMONG PRIMARY HEALTH CARE WORKERS AND THE INTEGRATED SCREENING IN KVEMO KARTLI REGION.

Integration of TB/HIV/HCV screening into primary health care has been implemented in Georgia since 2018. The aim of the program is to strengthen TB, HIV/HCV screening and early detection capabilities in the primary health care, as early detection and treatment are considered to be the most effective strategies to prevent these infections. The goal of the study was to evaluate and compare the baseline and follow-up knowledge about TB, HIV and HCV infectious among primary health care workers in Kvemo Kartli Region.

KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PRACTICE SURVEY AMONG GEORGIAN HEALTH CARE WORKERS TOWARDS BLOOD BORNE INFECTIONS.

The prevalence of viral hepatitis B and C in Georgia is among the highest in the region. US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has selected Georgia as a pilot country for hepatitis C elimination program. Since 2015, Georgia launched a multi-year program of HCV elimination, including treatment of infected individuals with Direct Acting Antivirals (DAAs) and implementation of prevention programs, including infection control in health care facilities.

CONFIDENCE IN THE GEORGIA NATIONAL HCV ELIMINATION PROGRAM AMONG WOMEN OF REPRODUCTIVE AGE.

Georgia is among the countries with a very high prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. The recent availability of highly effective, direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) capable of curing >90% of persons treated has made HCV elimination a possibility. All adult citizens infected with HCV are eligible to receive free DAAs through the Georgia National HCV Elimination Program (Program).

SELF-PERCEIVED HEALTH STATUS AND ILLNESSES AMONG INTERNALLY DISPLACED PEOPLE IN GEORGIA.

Georgia had several waves of internally displaced people (IDPs) as a result of military conflicts on the territories of Abkhazia and Samachablo starting from 1990's with the latest large wave in 2008. Most of the IDPs live in compact settlements, such as old administrative buildings or specially constructed camps. In both cases, living conditions and social-economic status of IDPs are below Georgia's national average.

KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE TOWARD DISEASE AND PRACTICE SURVEY ON DIABETES IN GARDABANI DISTRICT.

In 2014-2016, the Georgia Red Cross Society (GRCS) implemented a project to improve diabetes prevention, detection and care in rural Georgia, namely in the Gardabani district. The KAP survey was conducted to determine current levels of knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding diabetes among the general population in the Gardabani district. We compared current findings with baseline results from a 2014 survey to identify trends.