Injury Epidemiology in Emergency Departments in Tbilisi, Republic of Georgia: A Multicenter Study.

INTRODUCTION

Injuries are a major cause of mortality, disability, and economic loss worldwide, disproportionately affecting low- and middle-income countries. In the Republic of Georgia, limited emergency department-level data constrain evidence-based injury prevention and trauma care planning. This study aimed to describe the epidemiological profile of injuries presenting to hospital emergency departments.

METHODS

A retrospective observational study was conducted using data extracted from hospital electronic medical records and organized into a predefined injury registry dataset from selected tertiary, multi-profile hospitals in Tbilisi, Republic of Georgia. All patients presenting with acute physical injuries or acute poisoning/toxic exposure were included. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and multivariable binary logistic regression were applied. Statistical significance was set at P < 0.05.

RESULTS

A total of 12,563 patients were analyzed; 67.0% were male, the mean age was 24.5 years (SD 15.3), and the median age was 21 years (IQR 16-29). Individuals aged 17-65 years accounted for 51% of cases. Falls were the leading injury mechanism (47%), followed by road traffic injuries (16%). Contusions (18%) and fractures (16.3%) were the most common injury types, with upper extremities (28%) and head injuries (24%) most frequently affected. Most injuries occurred at home (40%). Nearly 80% of patients were discharged within 24 hours, while 20.1% required hospitalization or intensive care. Road traffic injuries were independently associated with higher odds of hospital-level care. Overall, emergency department mortality was 0.6%.

CONCLUSIONS

Injury-related emergency department presentations in tertiary hospitals in Tbilisi, Republic of Georgia, primarily affected young and working-age populations, placing substantial demands on emergency care. Targeted prevention, improved road and home safety, strengthened emergency medical services, and a national injury surveillance system are urgently needed.