Dr. Kostadin Kostadinov

Written By Pavle Banović

Department of Social Medicine and Public Health

Medical University Plovdiv

Plovdiv

Bulgaria

Topic of interest:

Epidemiology of vector-borne and emerging infectious diseases; infectious disease surveillance; public health epidemiology; burden of disease; health economics and economic evaluation; real-world and routinely collected health data; spatial and environmental epidemiology; statistical modelling; prevention and vaccination policy; health systems and health policy; reproducible research and open science.

Epidemiology of vector-borne and emerging infectious diseases; infectious disease surveillance; public health epidemiology; burden of disease; health economics and economic evaluation; real-world and routinely collected health data; spatial and environmental epidemiology; statistical modelling; prevention and vaccination policy; health systems and health policy; reproducible research and open science.

BAVBD contribution:

I would be particularly interested in contributing epidemiological, biostatistical, and health-economic expertise to collaborative research on vector-borne and emerging infectious diseases in the Balkan region.

My main areas of potential contribution include the design and analysis of multicentre epidemiological studies; analysis of national surveillance, healthcare utilisation, and other routinely collected health data; estimation of disease burden and healthcare costs; health-economic evaluation of prevention and control strategies; statistical and spatial analysis; and development of reproducible analytical workflows.

I am particularly interested in cross-border studies comparing the epidemiology and burden of vector-borne diseases across Balkan countries, including the effects of environmental, climatic, demographic, and health-system factors. I would also be interested in collaborative systematic reviews, surveillance harmonisation, development of common study protocols and data dictionaries, and preparation of multinational research proposals.

I can contribute to study design, statistical analysis, epidemiological interpretation, scientific writing, dissemination, and open/reproducible research practices. I would also be interested in knowledge exchange between clinical, laboratory, veterinary, environmental, and public-health researchers within a One Health framework.

References:

  1. Dzhambov AM, Kitov S, Kostadinov KR, Kitova MF, Burov A, Helbich M, Deneva T, Kitova L. Residential exposures associated with adiposity and proinflammatory markers in obese adults with metabolic syndrome: a cross-sectional study. Archives of Industrial Hygiene and Toxicology. 2026;77(3):198–212. doi:10.2478/aiht-2026-77-4124

  2. Zdravkova-Aneva I, Dermendzhiev T, Kostadinov K, Prodanov A, Dimova R, Raycheva R. Physicians’ Perspectives on Access to Innovative Oncology Therapies: A Cross-Sectional Survey in Bulgaria. Healthcare. 2026;14(18):2926. doi:10.3390/healthcare14182926

  3. Gyokova E, Hristova-Atanasova E, Kostadinov K, Iskrov G, Andreeva A. Towards optimized preterm birth prediction: The combined value of cervical biometry and biochemical biomarkers. Journal of IMAB - Annual Proceeding (Scientific Papers). 2026;32(3):7002–7012. doi:10.5272/jimab.2026323.7002

  4. Kostadinov K, Mandova V, Rangelova V, Kevorkyan A, Raycheva R. Estimated HPV-Attributable Inpatient Pharmaceutical Reimbursement in Bulgaria, 2021–2025: A National Payer-Perspective Expenditure Analysis. Healthcare. 2026;14(16):2474. doi:10.3390/healthcare14162474

  5. Lip GYH, Proietti M, Ainsworth J, Dan GA, Frost L, Graffigna G, Lane DA, Lucci D, Fabbri G, Marin F, O’Flaherty M, Petrovic M, Potpara TS, Proietti R, Sanaullah A, Tokmakova M, Vetrano DL, Johnsen SP, Maggioni AP, AFFIRMO Study Investigators and Consortium. Integrated care management and comprehensive geriatric assessment using a mHealth-based approach in older multimorbid patients with atrial fibrillation: the AFFIRMO cluster-randomised trial. The Lancet Regional Health – Europe. 2026:101832. doi:10.1016/j.lanepe.2026.101832 Group authorship: Kostadin Kostadinov (AFFIRMO Study Investigator and Consortium collaborator).

  6. Markova P, Yaneva A, Spasova M, Markov S, Kostadinov K. Assessment of NGAL, eGFR, and tubular injury markers for early detection of chemotherapy-induced nephrotoxicity in pediatric oncology patients. Folia Medica. 2026;68(4):e184913. doi:10.3897/folmed.68.e184913

  7. Popova-Daskalova G, Kostadinov K, Eneva K, Masarlieva A, Vuchev D, Uchikov A, Aleksova L, Nikolov N, Nedkova T. Postoperative Prophylaxis of Cystic Echinococcosis with Albendazole and Praziquantel: A Retrospective Cohort Study. Biomedicines. 2026;14(8):1734. doi:10.3390/biomedicines14081734

  8. Sitnikov I, Halil E, Atanasova N, Popova P, Kostadinov K, Ezeldin F, Judge E, Atanassova P. External Validation of BrainScan AI for Detection of Hemorrhagic Stroke on Non-Contrast Head CT. The EuroBiotech Journal. 2026;10(3):258–269. doi:10.2478/ebtj-2026-0019

  9. Kostadinov K, Dzhambov AM, Burov A, Helbich M, Markevych I, Nieuwenhuijsen MJ, Dimitrova D. Evidence-Based Policy for Urban Environmental Health: A Cross-Sectional Stakeholder Survey in Bulgaria. Urban Science. 2026;10(6):312. doi:10.3390/urbansci10060312

  10. Babacheva V, Kostadinov K, Goranova-Marinova V, Hristova M, Atanassova P. Cognitive Performance in Transfusion-Dependent Adults with β-Thalassemia in Bulgaria: A Case–Control Study. Neurology International. 2026;18(6):101. doi:10.3390/neurolint18060101

  11. Halil E, Sitnikov I, Atanasova N, Popova P, Kostadinov K, Ezeldin F, Atanassova P. The Role of AI-Based Software BrainScan in the Interpretation of Non-Contrast Head CT in Acute Ischemic Stroke: An External Validation Study. Neurology International. 2026;18(6):100. doi:10.3390/neurolint18060100

  12. Kostadinov K, Goodwin J, Groen G, Jörns‑Presentati A, Heffernan S, O’Donovan Á, O’Malley M, Biskupovic Goulding R, O’Mahony J, Allen S, Curtin M, Haapalainen S, Aho J, Petrova G, Ivanova S, Lalova V, Korhonen J. Virtual Reality–Enhanced Training for Trauma-Informed Care Among Residential and Child Mental Health Professionals: Pre-Post Evaluation Study. JMIR Medical Education. 2026;12:e86543–e86543. doi:10.2196/86543

  13. Petrov B, Kostadinov K, Dechev I, Eneva K. Etiological spectrum of sexually transmitted infections in infertile men: a monocentric retrospective study. Folia Medica. 2026;68(2):e172980. doi:10.3897/folmed.68.e172980

  14. Rupcheva MY, Kostadinov K, Tashev R, Markova P, Zheleva V, Chterev M, Atanasova M, Petrov MM, Murdjeva M. Comparative Evaluation of Multiplex Real-Time PCR, Standard Urine Culture, and Rapid Nephelometric Screening in Patients with Complicated Urinary Tract Infections. Diagnostics. 2026;16(6):919. doi:10.3390/diagnostics16060919

  15. Arabadzhiev Z, Kostadinov K, Stoyanova K, Velchev V, Cherneva M, Tomcheva S. Introduction to Evidence-Based Positive Psychotherapy. The Global Psychotherapist. 2026;6(1):28–38. doi:10.52982/lkj288

  16. Shindova M, Katsarov P, Hristozova E, Kostadinov KR, Onov M, Belcheva A. Antimicrobial Activity of Root Canal Filling Materials for Endodontic Treatment in Primary Dentition. Journal of IMAB – Annual Proceeding (Scientific Papers). 2026;32(1):6691–6697. doi:10.5272/jimab.2026321.6691

  17. Bechev K, Yotova N, Kanarev M, Petrova A, Kostadinov K, Markov G, Markov D. Morphological Analysis of the Cavernous Segment of the Internal Carotid Artery: A Retrospective, Single Center Study of Its Clinical Significance. Diagnostics. 2025;15(23):3072. doi:10.3390/diagnostics15233072

  18. Raycheva R, Kostadinov K, Rangelova V, Kevorkyan A. Economic Analyses of COVID-19 Interventions: A Narrative Review of Global Evidence. Healthcare. 2025;13(24):3249. doi:10.3390/healthcare13243249

  19. Kostadinov K, Raycheva R, Zdravkova-Aneva I, Shopova M, Ovchinnikov E, Petkov P. Accuracy of Budget Impact Projections in Bulgarian Health Technology Assessment: A Five-Year Validation Study (2020–2025). Healthcare. 2025;13(22):2990. doi:10.3390/healthcare13222990

  20. Rupcheva MY, Kostadinov K, Kalchev Y, Gardzheva P, Hristozova E, Rachkovska Z, Lengerova G, Angelova A, Murdjeva M, Petrov MM. Urinary Tract Infections in a Single-Center Bulgarian Hospital: Trends in Etiology, Antibiotic Resistance, and the Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic (2017–2022). Antibiotics. 2025;14(10):982. doi:10.3390/antibiotics14100982

  21. Stefanov R, Raycheva R, Kostadinov K, Stefanov G, Zdravkova-Aneva I, Dzhambazova E, Iskrov G. Access to Orphan Medicinal Products in Bulgaria: An Analysis of the Positive Drug List and Individual Access Schemes. Healthcare. 2025;13(18):2258. doi:10.3390/healthcare13182258

  22. Halil E, Kostadinov K, Traykova N, Atanasova N, Atliev K, Dzhambazova E, Atanassova P. Novel Computed Tomography Perfusion and Laboratory Indices as Predictors of Long-Term Outcome and Survival in Acute Ischemic Stroke. Neurology International. 2025;17(9):136. doi:10.3390/neurolint17090136

  23. Korhonen J, Lahti M, Kostadinov K, Erjavec K, Istomina N, Ivanova S, Lagiou A, Lalova V, Makutienė M, Notara V, Ollikkala H, Petrova G, Sakellari E, Sukyte D, Laaksonen C. Fostering Mental Health Literacy Among Primary School Professionals: Evaluating the Impact of an Online Training Program ‘Well@School’. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2025;22(3):435. doi:10.3390/ijerph22030435

  24. Kostadinov K, Iskrov G, Musurlieva N, Stefanov R. ‘It Felt Like Finding Hope Only to Lose It Again’: A Grounded Theory Study of Rare Cancer Policies in Bulgaria. Journal of Cancer Policy. 2025:100570. doi:10.1016/j.jcpo.2025.100570

  25. Dzhambazova E, Kostadinov K, Tsenkova-Toncheva L, Galabova F, Ezeldin F, Iskrov G, Stefanov R. The Socio-Economic Burden of Spinal Muscular Atrophy: A Cost-of-Illness Study in Bulgaria. Healthcare. 2025;13(4):401. doi:10.3390/healthcare13040401

  26. Kostadinov K, Iskrov G, Musurlieva N, Stefanov R. An Evaluation of Rare Cancer Policies in Europe: A Survey Among Healthcare Providers. Cancers. 2025;17(2):164. doi:10.3390/cancers17020164

  27. Groen G, Jörns-Presentati A, Goodwin J, Petrova G, O’Donovan Á, Kostadinov K, Haapalainen S, Korhonen J. Safe4Child: Trauma-informed approaches to support staff working with children and adolescents exhibiting behaviours that challenge. Standpunkt: sozial. 2025;35(1):1–13. doi:10.15460/spsoz.2025.35.1.240

  28. Goodwin J, O’Malley M, O’Donovan A, Allen S, Curtin M, Goulding R, Groen G, Heffernan S, Ivanova S, Korhonen J, Jörns-Presentati A, Kostadinov K, Lalova V, O’Mahony J, Petrova G, Vainio V, Lahti M. Staff Experiences of Working with Children and Adolescents Engaging in Behaviours That Challenge in Mental Health and Paediatric Inpatient Environments: A Qualitative Exploratory Study across Four European Countries. Child Care in Practice. 2025;31(3):380–400. doi:10.1080/13575279.2024.2407085

  29. Petrova G, Kostadinov K, Lalova V, Ivanova S. Formed Attitudes and Benefits of Training with Virtual Reality Glasses Among Nursing Students and Educators (in Bulgarian). Management and Education (Управление и образование). 2025;21:5. link

  30. Stoeva V, Batselova H, Kostadinov K, Atliev K. Assessment of Occupational Risk Exposures and the Degree of Implementation of Standard Protective Equipment among Medical Personnel. Journal of IMAB - Annual Proceeding (Scientific Papers). 2025;31(4). doi:10.5272/jimab.2025314.6525

  31. Bechev K, Yotova NI, Kostadinov K, Ilyov I, Markov D. Anatomical Features and Morphometric Characteristics of the Sphenoidal Sinus in MRI Studies. Cureus. 2024. doi:10.7759/cureus.66764

  32. Raycheva R, Kostadinov K, Mitova E, Iskrov G, Stefanov G, Vakevainen M, Elomaa K, Man YS, Gross E, Zschüntzsch J, Röttger R, Stefanov R. Landscape analysis of available European data sources amenable for machine learning and recommendations on usability for rare diseases screening. Orphanet Journal of Rare Diseases. 2024;19(1):147. doi:10.1186/s13023-024-03162-5

  33. Iskrov G, Raycheva R, Kostadinov K, Gillner S, Blankart CR, Gross ES, Gumus G, Mitova E, Stefanov S, Stefanov G, Stefanov R. Are the European reference networks for rare diseases ready to embrace machine learning? A mixed-methods study. Orphanet Journal of Rare Diseases. 2024;19(1):25. doi:10.1186/s13023-024-03047-7

  34. Kostadinov K, Marinova Y, Dimitrov K, Hristova-Atanasova E, Iskrov G, Stefanov R. Navigating Gene Therapy Access: The Case of Bulgaria in the Context of the EU Regulatory Landscape. Healthcare. 2024;12(4):458. doi:10.3390/healthcare12040458

  35. Kostadinov K, Popova-Sotirova I, Marinova Y, Musurlieva N, Iskrov G, Stefanov R. Availability and Access to Orphan Drugs for Rare Cancers in Bulgaria: Analysis of Delays and Public Expenditures. Cancers. 2024;16(8):1489. doi:10.3390/cancers16081489

  36. Garnier N, Berghout J, Zygmunt A, Singh D, Huang KA, Kantz W, Blankart CR, Gillner S, Zhao J, Roettger R, Saier C, Kirschner J, Schenk J, Atkins L, Ryan N, Zarakowska K, Zschüntzsch J, Zuccolo M, Müllenborn M, Man YS, Goodman L, Trad M, Chalandon AS, Sansen S, Martinez-Fresno M, Badger S, Olden RWV, Rothmann R, Lehner P, Tschohl C, Baillon L, Gumus G, Gross E, Stefanov R, Iskrov G, Raycheva R, Kostadinov K, Mitova E, Einhorn M, Einhorn Y, Schepers J, Hübner M, Alves F, Iskandar R, Mayer R, Renieri A, Piperkova A, Gut I, Beltran S, Matthiesen ME, Poetz M, Hansson M, Trollmann R, Agolini E, Ottombrino S, Novelli A, Bertini E, Selvatici R, Farnè M, Fortunato F, Ferlini A. Genetic newborn screening and digital technologies: A project protocol based on a dual approach to shorten the rare diseases diagnostic path in Europe. PLOS ONE. 2023;18(11):e0293503. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0293503

  37. Kostadinov K, Musurlieva N. Historical Overview of the Definition of Rare Tumors in the Context of Health Policies. Rare Diseases and Orphan Drugs Journal. 2023;14(2):6–12. doi:10.36865/2023.v14i2.182

  38. Guevara K, Kostadinov K. Neurological Soft Signs and Social Cognition in Patients with Schizophrenia: the Missing Link. Proceedings of the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences. 2023;76(9):1440–1448. doi:10.7546/CRABS.2023.09.15

  39. Kelly P, Saab MM, Hurley EJ, Heffernan S, Goodwin J, Mulud ZA, O Malley M, O Mahony J, Curtin M, Groen G, Ivanova S, Jörns-presentati A, Korhonen J, Kostadinov K, Lahti M, Lalova V, Petrova G, O Donovan A. Trauma Informed Interventions to Reduce Seclusion, Restraint and Restrictive Practices Amongst Staff Caring for Children and Adolescents with Challenging Behaviours: A Systematic Review. Journal of Child and Adolescent Trauma. 2023. doi:10.1007/s40653-023-00524-2

  40. Kiani F, Kostadinov K, Stefanov R, Mandova V. Dentophobia-latent Component Factor Analysis of Dental Concerns Assessment Scale. Open Access Maced J Med Sci. 2023;11(E):53–58. doi:10.3889/oamjms.2023.9749

  41. Kostadinov K, Musurlieva N. Rare Tumors in the Context of Assisted Reproduction (in Bulgarian). Journal “Medical Law and Healthcare” (Списание “Медицинско право и здравеопазване”). 2023;4:6–12.

  42. Raycheva R, Kostadinov K, Mitova E, Bogoeva N, Iskrov G, Stefanov G, Stefanov R. Challenges in mapping European rare disease databases, relevant for ML-based screening technologies in terms of organizational, FAIR and legal principles: scoping review. Frontiers in Public Health. 2023;11. doi:10.3389/fpubh.2023.1214766

  43. Ignatova V, Kostadinov K, Vassileva E, Muradyan N, Stefanov G, Iskrov G, Stefanov R. Socio-Economic Burden of Myasthenia Gravis: A Cost-of-Illness Study in Bulgaria. Front. Public Health. 2022;10. doi:10.3389/fpubh.2022.822909

  44. Hubenova M, Kostadinov K. Change in eating habits during the COVID-19 confinement. General Medicine. 2022;24(1):23 – 29. link

  45. Kostadinov K, Stefanov G, Iskrov G, Stefanov R. Epidemiology of Acquired Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura. Rare Diseases and Orphan Drugs. 2020;11(3):36–44. doi:10.36865/2020.v11i3.122

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