Background Psycho-physiological factors play a major role in the well-being of students. Available studies have shown that students' sleep habits and stress levels are changing dramatically, especially international students are affected negatively. Increased stress level is associated with decreased cognitive functioning, which negatively affects their academic performance. The main aim of this study was to evaluate sleep disturbance and stress level among international students of the University of Georgia (UG). Methods We conducted a cross-sectional survey of 100 randomly selected foreign and local students of UG. Self-administrated questionnaire was used to evaluate students' stress level and sleeping habits. Local students of UG were selected as a control group. Results The study found high prevalence of stress (47%) and sleep deprivation (64%) among international students. The students are facing severe psychological health issues, such as: stress, depression, anxiety, sleep disorders and behavioral problems. The results of the survey also revealed that 43% of all respondents had stress and sleep disorders, stress factors were similar for both groups. The study identified two common stress and sleep disorders among international and local students: stress and sleep problems due to changing lifestyle and due to new education system. However, several stress factors such as: different language, homesickness and cultural differences also contributed to the increased stress. Conclusions Our study identified that international students of the University of Georgia face stress and sleep deprivation. Stress related to their academic performance contributed significantly to sleep disorders. Key messages More research is recommended to better examine psychological health state of international students of the University of Georgia. More interventional programs are needed to support international students’ better integration and academic performance.

Основная цель исследования – проанализировать особенности профессии фармацевта, ее существенную роль, достижения, проблемы, аспекты и перспективы развития высшего фармацевтического образования в контексте безопасности пациентов на местном и глобальном уровнях в XXI веке. Исследование представляло собой количественное исследование и анализ специфики особенностей профессии фармацевта, существенной роли, достижений, проблем, аспектов и перспектив развития высшего фармацевтического образования в контексте безопасности пациентов в XXI веке в Грузии с использованием анкет. Были проведены анкетные исследования. В исследовании использовался метод глубинного интервьюирования респондентов. Было использовано 7 типов утвержденных анкет (респонденты были отобраны случайным образом): Анкета для главных фармацевтов: в исследовании приняли участие 410 главных фармацевтов. Анкета для пациентов: в исследовании приняли участие 1506 пациентов. Анкета для трудоустроенного студента фармацевтического факультета: в исследовании приняли участие 222 трудоустроенных студента фармацевтического факультета. Анкета для специалистов здравоохранения: в исследовании приняли участие 307 специалистов в области общественного здравоохранения. Анкета для фармацевта-специалиста, в исследовании приняли участие 810 фармацевтов-специалистов. Были использованы методы систематического, социологического (анкетирование, анкетирование), сравнительного, математико-статистического, графического анализа. Данные обрабатывались и анализировались с помощью программы SPSS. Были проведены описательная статистика и регрессионный анализ для выявления связи между переменными. Статистический анализ проводился в SPSS версии 11.0. Для оценки статистической значимости и различий применялся критерий хи-квадрат. Мы определили p <0,05 как значимое для всех анализов. / The main objective of the study was to analyze the features of the pharmacist’ profession, essential role, achievements, problems, aspects and higher pharmaceutical educational advancement issue perspectives in the context of patients safety locally and globally in XXI century. The study was a quantitative investigation and analysis of the specificites of the features of the pharmacist’ profession, essential role, achievements, problems, aspects and higher pharmaceutical educational advancement issue perspectives in the context of patients safety in XXI century in Georgia by using questionnaires. Were conducted a survey study. The in-depth interview method of the respondents was used in the study. The 7 types of approved question-naires were used (Respondents were randomly selected): Questionnaire for chief pharmacists: 410 chief-pharmacists participated in the study. Questionnaire for patients: 1506 patients participated in the study. Questionnaire for the employed pharmacy faculty-student: 222 employed pharmacy faculty students participated in the study. Questionnaire for health care specialists: 307 public health specialists participated in the study. Questionnaire for pharmacist specialist, 810 pharmacist specialists participated in the study. Were used methods of systematic, socio-logical (surveying, questioning), comparative, mathematical-statistical, graphical analysis. The data were processed and analyzed with the SPSS program. Were conducted descriptive statistics and regression analyses to detect an association between variables. Statistical analysis was done in SPSS version 11.0. A Chisquare test was applied to estimate the statistical significance and differences. We defined p< 0.05 as significant for all analyses.

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Structured Doctoral Program of Public Health has been modernized from “consultation” to combined “Multi-methods” teaching module at the University of Full PhD program consists of 180 ECTS, 3 years for the full-time, and maximum of 7 years for the part-time. The programme consists of 60 teaching and 120 ECTS Research component. Doctoral student, together with a supervisor, starts working on his/her dissertation from the 1st academic year/semester of enrollment Transition from “consultation” model to the “combined multi-methods” model advances the learning outcomes, straight research skills, internationalization, modern professional communication. PH PhD Program aims to prepare a public health researcher who will be able to identify and solve public health issue/problem, produce the best evidence possible and make an evidence-based decisions, create a novelty, and expand the knowledge borders of public health. Self-administrated semi-structured questionnaire were used: How much “consultation” model is effective? What kind of skills are is necessary for scientific carrier?Focus-group discussion was conducted with PhD program graduates. Questions discussed: How you applied acquired skills and knowledge to your work/practice?In focus group discussion employers were asked to discuss what skills and knowledge they are requiring from the employees, if they are considering involvement of local and International experts in teaching process. 98 % of questionnaire students underline the Combined multy- methods with intensive theoretical and practical teaching with international activities. The deep knowledge of scientific methods and project writing skills are very important. Results of researches must be presented at the international scientific conferences and published. Research methods course was improved (amounts of credits was increased 2 times).The frame of teaching is Combined multy-methods with internationalization involvement and with intensive timeline. Key messages The learning process consist of Combined multy-method, with deep research methods and internationalization activities. The elements of Research component starts from the 1st semester. Result Internationalization.

Background Nowadays millions of students are moving to another country to advance their education. They must adapt to the changing conditions for education. Students who leave their own country face many challenges. The purpose of the study was to investigate and evaluate the nutrition and physical activity of foreign students of the University of Georgia (UG) after entering the university. Methods Cross-sectional study was conducted among international students. We used self-administrated validated questionnaire with closed and open questions. Behaviors regarding the physical activity, diet of foreign and Georgian students were identified. Local students of the UG were used as a comparison group. Study participants were selected randomly among all international and Georgian students of UG. Results The results of the study showed that stress factors, the environment and various cultures influence students' nutrition and physical activity. A noticeable change in the deterioration of physical activity was observed among Georgian and foreign students (8% of international students physical activity has deteriorated sharply). The students showed a significant changes of body mass index (BMI). Meanwhile, most international students are overweight. 10 % of international students are facing obesity. Weight of Georgian students increased by 32 % after entering the University, while international students it increased by 30 %. The results showed that the nutritional ratio worsened after entering at the university almost equally with both Georgian and foreign students. However, the study identified that 56% of Georgian, and 86% of international students are willing to improve their physical activity in the future. Conclusions The study identified that international students of the UG face nutrition and healthy lifestyle problems, such as overweight, physical inactivity. Further promotion of a healthy lifestyle of international students is recommended. Key messages More attention on health promotion and monitoring should be given to international students who are coming to advance their education in Georgia. More research is recommended to better promote healthy lifestyle among international students in Georgia.