Georgian Population Research Articles

Distribution and some biological data of sycamore lace bug – Corythucha ciliata say (Heteroptera, Tingidae) in Georgia

Abstract The article describes invasion of the dangerous pest, sycamore lace bug Corythucha ciliata from Krasnodar District and its spread all over Georgia. The main biological aspects of the pest are studied: flight of imago, laying of eggs, life of nymphs, forms of damage and their estimation according to 5-grade scale. We also measured all phases of the pest (50 specimens each) by means of the microscope“МБС-1” 8x with diopter scale. We established the difference of male and female imago of the Georgian population of the pest according to the form of abdomen. The abdomen of female is rounded, and the end of the male's abdomen is rather tapered. Financial support from the government is necessary, similarly to other countries, for the control of the pest, comprehensive study of sycamore lace bug C. ciliata Say – serious pest of city plantings of plane tree for safe biological control of the pest in Georgia.

The History of the Georgian Population

The History of the Georgian Population

Landscape Complexity in the Caucasus Impedes Genetic Assimilation of Human Populations More Effectively than Language or Ethnicity.

The analyses of 15 autosomal and 23 Y-chromosome DNA single-tandem-repeat loci in five rural populations from the Caucasus (four ethnically Georgian and one ethnically Armenian) indicated that two Georgian populations, one from the west and the other from the east of the Greater Caucasus Mountains, were both patrilineally and autosomally most differentiated from each other, and the other populations of Georgians and Armenians held an intermediate position between those two. This pattern may be due to human dispersal from two distinct glacial refugia in the last glacial period and the early Holocene, followed by less gene flow among the populations from the Greater Caucasus than among those from the rest of the Caucasus, where the populations have undergone substantial admixture in historical time. This hypothesis is supported by a strong correlation between genetic differentiation among the populations and landscape permeability to human migrations as determined by terrain ruggedness, forest cover, and snow cover. Although geographic patterns of autosomal and Y-chromosome DNA are not fully concordant, both are influenced by landscape permeability and show a similar east-west gradient. Our results suggest that this permeability was a stronger factor limiting gene flow among human populations in the Caucasus than were ethnic or linguistic boundaries.

Sleep-wake patterns and sleep quality in urban Georgia.

ObjectivesSleep problems represent a worldwide health concern but their prevalence and impacts are unknown in most non-European/North American countries. This study aimed to evaluate sleep-wake patterns, sleep quality and potential correlates of poor sleep in a sample of the urban Georgian population.MethodsAnalyses are based on 395 volunteers (267 females, 128 males, aged 20-60 years) of the Georgia Somnus Study. Subjects completed the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and the Beck Depression Inventory-Short Form. Sociodemographic information and self-reported height and weight were collected.Results43% of subjects had poor sleep quality (PSQI > 5). Further, 41% had low sleep efficiency, 27.6% slept 6 hours or less, 32.4% went to bed after midnight, 27.6% snored, 10.6% were taking sleep medication, and 26.8% had sleep maintenance problems as occurring three or more times a week. The latest bedtime, rise time, and gender effect on these variables were found in the age group 20-29 years. PSQI global score showed a significant age but not gender difference. The economic status and the depression score were two significant predictors of sleep quality.ConclusionsPoor sleep quality has a high prevalence and is strongly linked to the economic status. Study findings call for a global assessment of sleep problems in countries where sleep disturbances represent an insufficiently recognized public health issue.

Orobanche grenieri(Orobanchaceae), a Southwestern European Species Newly Found in Asia

We report occurrences of Orobanche grenieri (Orobanchaceae) in the Lesser Caucasus in southern Georgia (western Asia), and in Badakhshan in Tajikistan (central Asia). These localities are more than 3000 and 5000 km apart from its previously known distribution areas in Spain and France, respectively. We used morphological evidence as well as nuclear ribosomal ITS and plastid rbcL sequences to test the taxonomic assignment of the Georgian plants to O. grenieri and to determine their phylogenetic position. We list the features that differentiate O. grenieri from morphologically similar species, provide illustrations, a distribution map, and we propose an IUCN conservation status for the Georgian populations.

Traumatic dental injuries among 12- and 15-year-old adolescents in Georgia: results of the pathfinder study.

Traumatic dental injuries (TDI) are a widespread pathology with serious dental public health concerns. The aim of this pathfinder study was to collect initial epidemiological data on oral health in Republic of Georgia. As part of this study, the prevalence and severity of TDI in permanent teeth among seventh- and tenth-grade schoolchildren were evaluated. Schoolchildren were examined in four schools in the capital city of Tbilisi, two schools in two other major cities, and one school in four additional villages. In addition to demographical data, the following parameters were collected and recorded: Overjet (OJ), lip competence, number and type/location of the teeth with TDI and Type of TDI. The study population comprised of children aged 12 (seventh grade) and 15 years old (10th grade). A total of 823 7th- and 10th-grade schoolchildren were examined. The overall prevalence of TDI among Georgian population was found to be 10.4% (86 children). The prevalence of TDI was greater in the older age cohort (P < 0.05). Lip posture did not seem to have a marked effect on TDI. Children with an OJ greater than 5 mm were more likely to present with dental injuries compared to children with an OJ equal to or smaller than 5 mm (P < 0.05). Children from rural areas presented with greater prevalence of TDI compared to their urban counterparts (P < 0.05). The maxillary central incisors were the most common teeth to be affected by trauma accounting for 85.2% of the TDI cases. Enamel fracture was the main type of TDI (91.3%). The prevalence of TDI in Georgian schoolchildren, as presented in this survey, population was found to be rather moderate and involved mainly minor superficial injuries. Rural communities have shown in this report substantial higher rates; thus, educational program might be directed mostly to these regions to children, teachers, and healthcare providers.

PP.02.15

Objective: To determine cardio-vascular risk in Georgian population. Design and method: Multi-variant analyses of STEPS survey data. Results: 10-year cardiovascular risk according the Framingham Risk Score: 11% (589) are at a high risk (>20%), 17% (915) are at medium risk (10–20%) and 72% are at low risk (<10%). 10-year cardiovascular according the SCORE risk scale: 14.8% are at high risk of CVD mortality (> 5%), 82.9% are at medium risk (1–4%) and only 2.3% are at low risk (<1%). family history of non-communicable diseases is one of the main predictors of hypertension as in general as in age-stratified groups. The individuals whose relatives of first level were diagnosed with chronic disease (hyperglycemia, diabetes, hypertension, stroke, cancer, hypercholesterolemia, myocardial infarction in young age) were at higher risk of hypertension (PR = 1.27; 95% CI: 1.15–1.40; P < 0.000). Conclusions: In Georgia, like other developing countries, there is higher rates of cardiovascular disease morbidity and mortality. The main strategy for the prevention of cardiovascular diseases should be early detection and proper management of diseases in general population and especially in high risk groups. Personal cardiovascular risk calculation is exclusively valuable for the prediction of CVD in so-called asymptomatic individuals.

PP.15.30

Objective: To determine the prevalence of major factors associated to hypertension among Georgian population. Design and method: Multi-variant analyses of STEPS survey data. Results: According the multivariate analysis there were 8 factors associated with hypertension that were statistically significant: age, place of residence, income, body mass index, waist and hip circumference ratio, high blood glucose, high blood triglycerides and family history of chronic diseases. Namely, higher risk of hypertension has people who are 45 years of age (Adjusted PRR = 2.27), rural residents (Adjusted PRR = 1.16), with low-income (PRR = 1.10), with weight problems (Adjusted PRRBMI = 1.58, and Adjusted PRRWHR = 1.18), with high level of blood glucose (Adjusted PRR = 1.16), and triglycerides (Adjusted PRR = 1.16), and family history of chronic diseases (Adjusted PRR = 1.27). Conclusions: Considering the importance of the research results the recommendation are (1) activation of hypertension screening in the populations with special risk; effective hypertension control (management) of the population over 45 years.

Structural Equation Model of Psychological Well-being, a Georgian Exploration

The aim of the study was to estimate the model of psychological well-being in Georgian Students. The objectives of the study was to test hypothesis is that within Ryff's six dimensions model of Psychological wellbeing, there are certain coping strategies and low depression as predictors of general Psychological well-being. The research was conducted in Georgia among 252 students (mean age 21). The study methods were: Ryff's Well-being Inventory, Coping Inventory for Stressful Situation (CISS) from Endler & Parker and, Kutcher's Adolescent Depression Scale (KADS-6). In this study a model of psychological well-being was estimated. In this model, coping strategies and depression are independent and the psychological well-being is the dependent variable. To test hypotheses,Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used. The results of the study show, that coping strategies and low Depression are the predictors of psychological well-being. The value of X2 of Estimated Model is very high, and the result of the study, which was researched with the above mentioned model of psychological well-being, strictly conveys the situation in the Georgian population(students) today.

Role of immigration in the formation of Georgian population

Immigration played a great role in formation of population of Georgia. We are able to establish tendencies of this process from the beginning of XIX century. By that period, the country had been ruined and bled professedly by permanent invasions for centuries. Most of territories were unpopulated or under-populated that made suitable conditions for settlers from other countries. By 1800, P. Gugushvili estimated Georgian population with 675.0 thousand inhabitants. In discussed period – 1800-2015, in formation of population of Georgia immigration was acting as in direction of increasing and reducing the population. In particular: in 1800-1897 rise in migration of Georgia is positive and it was 544,0 thousand people; in 1897-1939 rise in migration of Georgia is positive and it was 314,2 thousand people; in 1939-1950 rise in migration was zero; in 1950-1990 migration reduction was 391,1 thousand; in 1990-2015- reduction was 1839,3 thousand people. Totally, migration balance of population of Georgia in 1800-2015 shows reduction of population, 1378,2 thousand people that comes to historical period after 1950-ies. Keywords: Immigration policy, Formation of population of Georgia, Demographic expansion, Immigration increase, Natural growth.

Recognition of neutral facial expression in the Georgian population: a preliminary report

Recognition of neutral facial expression in the Georgian population: a preliminary report

Healthcare utilization and expenditures for chronic and acute conditions in Georgia: does benefit package design matter?

BackgroundIn 2007 the Georgian government introduced a full state-subsidized Medical Insurance Program for the Poor (MIP) to provide better financial protection and improved access for socially and financially disadvantaged citizens. Studies evaluating MIP have noted its positive impact on financial protection, but find only a marginal impact on improved access. To better assess whether the effect of MIP varies according to different conditions, and to identify areas for improvement, we explored whether MIP differently affects utilization and costs among chronic patients compared to those with acute health needs.MethodsData were collected from two cross-sectional nationally representative household surveys conducted in 2007 and in 2010 that examined health care utilization rates and expenditures. Approximately 3,200 households were interviewed from each wave of both studies using a standardized survey questionnaire. Differences in health care utilization and expenditures between chronic and acute patients with and without MIP insurance were evaluated, using coarsened exact matching techniques.ResultsAmong patients with chronic illnesses, MIP did not affect either health service utilization or expenditures for outpatient drugs and reduction in provider fees. For patients with acute illnesses MIP increased the odds (OR = 1.47) that they would use health services. MIP was also associated with a 20.16 Gel reduction in provider fees for those with acute illnesses (p = 0.003) and a 15.14 Gel reduction in outpatient drug expenditure (p = 0.013). Among those reporting a chronic illness with acute episode during the 30 days prior to the interview, MIP reduced expenditures on provider fees (B = -20.02 GEL) with marginal statistical significance.ConclusionsOur findings suggest that the MIP may have improved utilization and reduce costs incurred by patients with acute health needs, while chronic patients marginally benefit only during exacerbation of their illnesses. This suggests that the MIP did not adequately address the needs of the aging Georgian population where chronic illnesses are prevalent. Increasing MIP benefits, particularly for patients with chronic illnesses, should receive priority attention if universal coverage objectives are to be achieved.

Let’s flow! Circular migration and transhumant mobility among the Tushetians of Georgia

This paper deals with the migration practices of a Georgian population called the Tushetians and their recent developments. After an outline of the Tushetians’ traditional and contemporary migration patterns, details of migration to the Russian Federation, Spain and Greece are presented, followed by some reflections on the impact of these forms of migration on gender roles in the home villages. This leads to a more general discussion of the compatibility of Tushetian migration patterns with the European Union (EU) policy of circular migration, as well as the impact of the Eurozone crisis on migrants from post-socialist countries such as Georgia.

Let’s flow! Circular migration and transhumant mobility among the Tushetians of Georgia

This paper deals with the migration practices of a Georgian population called the Tushetians and their recent developments. After an outline of the Tushetians’ traditional and contemporary migration patterns, details of migration to the Russian Federation, Spain and Greece are presented, followed by some reflections on the impact of these forms of migration on gender roles in the home villages. This leads to a more general discussion of the compatibility of Tushetian migration patterns with the European Union (EU) policy of circular migration, as well as the impact of the Eurozone crisis on migrants from post-socialist countries such as Georgia.

Choosing Your Country: Networks, Perceptions and Destination Selection among Georgian Labour Migrants

Existing literature demonstrates that social networks play a key role in international migrants' selection of destinations. But how do such networks begin? The Republic of Georgia is an example of a country from which migrants travel to many different destination countries, most of which had no Georgian population before the collapse of the Soviet Union. This paper uses a combination of nationally representative survey data and semi-structured interviews to identify the patterns and logic of men's and women's destination choices. I find that a wide variety of micro- and macro-level factors influence the desirability of destinations and that perceived gender differences in the labour market demands of the destination countries and variation in the accessibility of different countries explain much of the variation in destination selection among migrants. Social networks play a vital role in shaping perceptions of destination countries, which can be highly localised and changeable in the early stages of migration.

Hierarchical Bayesian modeling of spatio-temporal patterns of lung cancer incidence risk in Georgia, USA: 2000–2007

Lung cancer is the second most commonly diagnosed cancer in both men and women in Georgia, USA. However, the spatio-temporal patterns of lung cancer risk in Georgia have not been fully studied. Hierarchical Bayesian models are used here to explore the spatio-temporal patterns of lung cancer incidence risk by race and gender in Georgia for the period of 2000–2007. With the census tract level as the spatial scale and the 2-year period aggregation as the temporal scale, we compare a total of seven Bayesian spatio-temporal models including two under a separate modeling framework and five under a joint modeling framework. One joint model outperforms others based on the deviance information criterion. Results show that the northwest region of Georgia has consistently high lung cancer incidence risk for all population groups during the study period. In addition, there are inverse relationships between the socioeconomic status and the lung cancer incidence risk among all Georgian population groups, and the relationships in males are stronger than those in females. By mapping more reliable variations in lung cancer incidence risk at a relatively fine spatio-temporal scale for different Georgian population groups, our study aims to better support healthcare performance assessment, etiological hypothesis generation, and health policy making.

The Implementation and Results of the Use of Social Media in the Republic of Georgia

The Republic of Georgia has begun a transition from old world economics to integrating social media and the Internet to provide a global presence for the country. Research shows that the Georgian people have significantly embraced social media as a means for conducting business and connecting with many countries on a global basis. Internet subscribers have continually increased in numbers; thus the numbers of social media participants has also increased. This paper addresses the history of Georgia, the current status of social media in Georgia, and the future for social media as it permeates the Georgian population. In order to maintain a robust economic recovery, Georgia citizens and businesses must continue to conduct business through social media pathways that will keep Georgia in the global market.

Promoting health in Georgia

This paper discusses the public health situation in Georgia. In 1991 Georgia became an independent republic following the collapse of the Soviet Union. The armed conflict with Russia in 2008 and political unrest in recent years has presented the Georgian population and politicians with a demanding situation. As part of the WHO European Region, the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) including Georgia is on the unfortunate side of a European health divide, with low male life expectancy and high under-five mortality. There is also a high degree of economic inequality in the population. We first look at the main players and the current strategies in public health work. Next we discuss this on the background of health promotion principles and recent international developments in knowledge and policy recommendations in the field of health promotion. Finally we point to some of the major public health challenges that Georgia faces. We conclude that the Georgian focus on reducing risk behaviours and improving access to quality health care is worthy of praise, but that this is not sufficient to solve the current public health challenges. Strategies for working across sectors with social determinants of health should be built into Georgian health thinking and policies. A health promotion work force should be developed. International developments such as the Commission on Social Determinants of Health (CSDH) report, the 'Health 2020' framework and the HP Core Competencies project all provide useful input to future development of healthy public policies in Georgia.

Twofold Muhajirs at the Crossroads of Three Cultures: Turkish Georgians in Bergneustadt, Germany

The contemporary world has been facing legal or illegal migrancy, based on social, economic, political, and religious determination. The number of migrants is growing every day. Mostly they are moving from the East to the West or Europe. Movement is not only physical activity, but it is displacement of culture, traditions and customs from one ethnical space to another one. During migration people take with them part of the total culture. On the new soil they encounter new reality, which could be the reason of dual existence, dissatisfaction. Our research addresses issue of migration of Turkish Georgians in 1960s, from Turkey (Village Hayriye) to Germany (Bergneustadt). Three different cultural elements: - Georgian, Turkish and German, influence their mode of life and affect everyday perception of reality. During the Russo-Turkish War in 1877-78, Achara and other historical provinces of Georgia were attached to the Russian Empire. One part of the Georgian population came under Russian rule; the other part emigrated as “Muhajirs” to Ottoman Turkey. As a result of living in culturally different countries (Russia, Ottoman Empire), the life ways of the Georgian Muslim communities began to diverge. In 1960s due to high levels of unemployment in Turkey and the need for inexpensive labour in the expanding economies of Europe, Turkey concluded bilateral agreement to supply workers to Germany. Approximately one million Turks crossed the border up to 1974, hoping to get rich fast. Twofold Muhajirs at the crossroads of three cultures, without (home) land, the real and permanent one, strangers in foreign and “native” land, torn apart by two sorts of memories, try to make a new beginning, to fit in with new “motherland” (Germany) and at this time to maintain ethnic culture, space and identity.

Insomnia complaints and associated factors in Georgian population

Insomnia is one of the most common of all sleep disorders. The prevalence rate of insomnia is not well described in Georgian population. The present study was aimed to examine the prevalence of insomnia and associated factors in the population of two largest cities of Georgia – Tbilisi and Kutaisi. 304 subjects from Tbilisi (mean age 37.07 ± 10.73, 67.4% female) and 91 subjects from Kutaisi (39.4 ± 10.8, 67.1% female) were surveyed. Participants completed Insomnia Severity index (ISI), Epworth sleepiness scale (ESS), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Beck depression inventory, short form (BDI SF), and STOP BANG questionnaire. Socio-demographic data and self evaluation of the overall health status were also obtained. Pearson chi-square tests were used to examine associations between ISI and sleep, health and socio-demographic variables. Multiple linear regression was used to examine the relationship between insomnia status and potential predictors. 33.2% of Tbilisi population had sub threshold insomnia, 9.5% moderate insomnia, and 1.3% severe insomnia. Mean ISI score was 7.42 ± 5.3. ISI score was significantly correlated with PSQI global score, BDI, health, education level, economic status, ESS and OSA severity. In Kutaisi population, 34.1% had sub threshold insomnia, 8.8% moderate insomnia, and 1.1% severe insomnia. Mean ISI score in Kutaisi sample was 7.13 ± 5.3 and was significantly correlated with PSQI global score, BDI, ESS and health. Multiple regression analyses shows that moderate to severe insomnia is predicted by depression symptoms ( β = 0.309, p = .000) and overall health status ( β = −.229 p = 0.000) in Tbilisi population. For Kutaisi sample only BDI score was the significant predictor ( β = −.220 p = 0.048). This study provides evidence that insomnia complaints are high in Georgian population. Further analyses with more subjects involved are needed to evaluate insomnia severity and its relation with health-related variables in Georgian population. Study supported by Swiss National Science Foundation, SCOPES, grant IZ74Z0_137415.