A study conducted at Caucasus University has been published in an influential Spanish international refereed journal: "Spanish Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics“ (CiteScore: 1.2; indexed in Scopus).

Verulava T., Papiashvili T. (2025). “Factors influencing eating behavior among university students in Georgia: a qualitative study".

Link to the article.

Scopus profile.

The research was conducted in collaboration with the Caucasus University School of Business and the School of Humanities and Social Sciences.

Authors:

Tengiz Verulava - Doctor of Medicine, Professor at Caucasus University, Director of the Center for Healthcare Policy, Head of the Department of Science and Continuing Education at the Chapidze Emergency Cardiology Center.

Tamar Papiashvili - Graduate of the School of Humanities and Social Sciences.

Abstract:

Eating a healthy diet is crucial for preventing illnesses and maintaining long-term health, particularly at a transitional time. Despite the general assessment of students' eating habits in Georgia, studies frequently fall short of offering a comprehensive understanding of the underlying elements that influence these behaviours.

In addition to determining the primary individual, societal, and environmental factors influencing students' eating habits, the study attempts to explore students' attitudes and views on healthy eating.

The study identified a wide range of interconnected individual, societal, and environmental factors influencing the formation of students’ eating behaviours: personal preferences, living conditions, peer and family influence, food availability and media exposure. Unhealthy habits developed in childhood, financial constraints, and a lack of time were highlighted as significant barriers.

Targeted state support is necessary to promote the development of healthy eating and lifestyle habits among students. Similar initiatives have the potential to significantly improve student health in Georgia and other low- and middle-income countries.