Vitamin D receptor (VDR) variations have attracted attention because of their potential impact on metabolic regulation and liver health. This study aimed to investigate the association between VDR polymorphisms and clinical parameters as well as the risk of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD; formerly nonalcoholic fatty liver disease) in a Turkish population. The study included 390 participants: 200 patients with MASLD and 190 healthy control individuals. VDR rs1544410, rs2228570, and rs731236 variations were genotyped using the polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism method. There was no statistically significant difference in the overall genotype distribution of VDR variants between patients and control individuals. The rs1544410 AA and AG genotypes were associated with higher triglyceride levels. The rs2228570 CT genotype was associated with increased hypertriglyceridemia and hypertension, whereas the CC genotype was more frequent in patients with microvascular complications. The rs731236 CC and CT genotypes were also associated with a higher risk of hypertriglyceridemia. Our study revealed that the VDR rs1544410, VDR rs2228570, and VDR rs731236 variations substantially modulate the risk of hypertriglyceridemia, hypertension, and microvascular complications in MASLD.

Background: Pertussis is a respiratory infection that represents a significant threat worldwide, especially for infants. The global incidence of pertussis is on the rise, with 20–40 million cases occurring every year. Maternal vaccination offers protection to newborns and, therefore, is recommended by numerous healthcare organizations. The aim of this study was to systematically assess the level of knowledge regarding pertussis and the pertussis vaccine, as well as the willingness to receive the vaccine among pregnant women, and identify the most significant reasons for vaccine hesitancy among the obstetric population. Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted in the Web of Science, Embase, and Scopus databases between 1 April 2024, and 31 July 2024. Our search strategy aimed to identify studies published from 1 January 2014 to July 2024 in order to capture a decade’s worth of the most recent evidence and updates in maternal pertussis vaccination. Results: We screened 955 articles altogether, with 11 studies included in the analysis. The general awareness of pertussis infection prior to participation in the study varied from 5% in a study performed in Turkey to 95.9% in the Norwegian population. Moreover, the willingness to receive the vaccine ranged from 11.2% in the Turkish population to 94.8% in the Netherlands. Several statistically important factors affecting the decision have been identified, such as belief in safety and effectiveness, fear of adverse reactions, or healthcare professional recommendation. Conclusions: The general awareness regarding pertussis vaccine in pregnant women differs significantly depending on the population studied. However, it remains unsatisfactory even in populations with a high declared level of knowledge if asked specific questions. Presented results may indicate the need for studies on the efficacy of educational interventions for raising awareness about the meaning of pertussis immunization during pregnancy and preventing infection among neonates.

Multidimensional motivation scale for community health workers: Psychometric properties and validation in a Turkish population

CT evaluation of the internal acoustic canal and safe drilling triangle morphometry in relation to temporal pneumatization and age for gender determination and hearing preservation in surgery.

Objective: This study aimed to investigate genotype–phenotype correlations in patients with a clinical suspicion of Marfan syndrome and to identify novel FBN1 variants contributing to disease heterogeneity within a Turkish cohort. Method: A total of 81 patients referred to the Medical Genetics Department of Ordu University Hospital with suspected Marfan syndrome were evaluated according to the revised Ghent criteria. Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral blood samples, and all exons of the FBN1 gene were analyzed using next-generation sequencing on the Illumina MiSeq platform. Detected variants were interpreted through multiple databases including ClinVar, HGMD, VarSome, and Franklin, and classified according to ACMG guidelines. Results: Among 81 patients (49 males, 32 females; mean age 35 years), four were found to harbor FBN1 variants consistent with the Marfan phenotype. Two novel variants—c.6680C>T (p.Gly1668Ala) and c.288del (p.Arg96Serfs*12)—were identified and classified as likely pathogenic. Two additional variants—c.176G>C (p.Cys59Ser) and c.5003_5004delinsCT (p.Ser2227Leu)—were previously reported but redefined with new phenotypic associations. Cardiovascular findings included aortic root dilatation and mitral valve prolapse, while ocular manifestations (ectopia lentis, myopia) and skeletal features (arachnodactyly, scoliosis, joint hypermobility) were predominant. Conclusion: This study expands the known FBN1 mutation spectrum in Marfan syndrome and reinforces the significance of comprehensive molecular testing combined with clinical evaluation for accurate diagnosis. The identification of novel and rare variants highlights the genetic diversity of Marfan syndrome in the Turkish population and underscores the need for continuous genotype–phenotype mapping to improve patient management and genetic counseling.

Evaluation of Intercondylar Notch and Tibial Slope Angles in Relation to Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury: A Retrospective MRI Study in a Turkish Population

Migrants, asylum seekers, or refugees enable different cultures to come together by bringing their own cultural values and social customs to a new environment. While this situation has the potential to enrich the host society culturally, it also brings with it integration problems and social tensions. Therefore, migration management also requires effective guidance and management of cultural interactions. In this context, this study, which analyzes the effects of cultural encounters between the local population and Syrian asylum seekers in the province of Konya on social integration, focuses on social interactions in everyday life. The study examines the perceptions of Turkish and Syrian individuals towards each other through relationship forms such as friendship, neighborliness, and marriage, how these perceptions are reflected in social relationships, and how they shape the integration process. A qualitative research design was adopted in the study, and a phenomenological approach was preferred to explore the participants' individual experiences and the meanings behind these experiences. Social interactions between 20 Turkish and 20 Syrian individuals living in Konya were examined. The findings reveal how mutual perceptions are shaped, the themes through which they are expressed, and the ways in which this process contributes to or hinders social integration.

Turkish validity and reliability of the parental competence questionnaire in the paediatric hospital emergency setting (ECP-U).

The STRESS (Subjective Thoughts REgarding Stress Scale) measures one's beliefs about stress, a key predictor of the stress response. While the scale was developed in an international sample, it was not possible to examine cultural differences in the scale. As such, there is a need for culture-specific validation; moreover, the scale has only been published in English. This paper contributes to this space by assessing the psychometrics of a translated version of the STRESS in a Turkish population. Adult Turkish participants (N = 379), aged 18-65, completed the backward-translated Turkish form of STRESS. Participants also completed the Turkish versions of the Ways of Coping Questionnaire (WCQ), Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI-TX), which have been previously validated and found reliable. Exploratory Factor Analysis revealed a four-factor structure with 19 items, explaining 58.8% of the total variance. The Turkish adaptation of the STRESS scale demonstrated good internal consistency, with a Cronbach's alpha coefficient of 0.82 for the total scale and subscale-specific values ranging from 0.76 to 0.83 exceeding the commonly accepted reliability threshold of 0.70. In addition, the scale showed satisfactory convergent and discriminant validity. These findings indicate that the Turkish version of the STRESS scale reliably measures the intended dimensions of stress beliefs. Overall, the scale meets key psychometric criteria, making it a valid and reliable tool for assessing stress beliefs in Turkish-speaking populations. This adaptation also holds promise for enhancing cross-cultural understanding of stress beliefs and serves as a valuable resource for future research in this area.

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a chronic inflammatory disease primarily affecting the axial skeleton and sacroiliac joints, with both genetic and environmental factors playing a role in its pathogenesis. Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) has been implicated in immune response and inflammation, but its genetic variations have not been extensively studied in AS. This study investigates the association between the TLR4 rs41426344 polymorphism and AS susceptibility and disease activity in a Turkish population. A total of 200 participants (100 AS patients and 100 healthy controls) were recruited. Genotyping of the TLR4 rs41426344 (G/C) polymorphism was performed using real-time PCR melting curve analysis. Disease activity was assessed using Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index (BASFI), Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI) and Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score with C-reactive protein (ASDAS-CRP) scores. Statistical analyses were conducted to determine the association between genotypes and disease risk. The CC genotype was significantly associated with AS susceptibility, with an odds ratio (OR) of 10.000 (95% CI: 4.091-24.431, p<0.0000001), indicating a strong genetic risk factor. Additionally, CC genotype carriers exhibited higher BASFI, BASDAI and ASDAS-CRP scores, suggesting greater disease severity and inflammation levels. A statistically significant difference (p<0.05) was observed in ASDAS-CRP scores between CC and GC genotypes This is the first study to investigate the TLR4 rs41426344 polymorphism in AS, and our findings indicate a strong association with both disease susceptibility and severity in the Turkish cohort. These findings reinforce the role of innate immunity in AS pathogenesis and suggest that TLR4 polymorphisms may serve as potential genetic markers for AS risk assessment and disease activity monitoring.

The aim of this study was to investigate the association of BDNF Val66Met genotype with obesity markers and metabolic parameters in a Turkish population. The study data were collected with a questionnaire form. The questionnaire form included general information, anthropometric measurements, dietary intake, lifestyle factors and biochemical parameters. Genotyping of the Val66Met variant in the BDNF gene was performed by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Individuals with the AG+AA genotype showed differences in obesity and metabolic parameters compared to GG homozygotes. Additionally, individuals with the AG+AA genotype showed lower waist circumference (pinteraction = 0.04), waist-to-hip ratio (pinteraction = 0.003), and Homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR; pinteraction = 0.009) when consuming a high-fibre diet (>18 g/day) compared to GG homozygotes. The study highlights the influence of BDNF Val66Met genotype on obesity and metabolic parameters, with dietary fibre intake potentially modifying these effects.

Falls and related injuries in older ages are becoming amajor public health problem. This study aims to investigate the factors influencing the risk of falls and self-reported fall-related injuries among older adults in Turkey. In this large population-based cross-sectional study, data from 2721 persons aged over 65years were collected using simple random sampling. Anthropometric indices, demographic characteristics, medical history and fall status were collected. The rate of falling (35.3% vs. 20.1%) and fear of falls (53.6% vs. 29.3%) were higher in women than men. Female gender, fear of falling, chronic disease and alower education level were found to increase the risk of both falling and fall-related injuries. Age, obesity and appendicular muscle mass did not significantly affect the risk of falling or injuries (p > 0.05). Sex, education level, fear of falling and the presence of chronic diseases are associated with the risk of falling and fall injuries in the older Turkish population. Health professionals should assess older people for these risk factors and provide specific advice and care to prevent falls.

Objective: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of neck pain in the Turkish population and its association with sociodemo graphic factors, work status, self-rated health, obesity, depression, physical activity, non-prescribed medications, and vitamin/nutritional supplements. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using data from the 2019 Türkiye Health Survey, which included 17 084 participants aged ≥15 years. Descriptive and multivariate binary logistic regression analyses were performed to investigate the prevalence of neck pain and its associated risk factors. Results: Neck pain prevalence increased with age, peaking between 35 and 65 years old. Women were 3.2 times more likely to experience neck pain than men. Married and divorced individuals had higher risks than single individuals did. There was no significant relation ship between neck pain and educational level or physical activity. Self-rated health showed a strong inverse relationship with neck pain: “good” health increased risk 11 times, “fair” 64 times, “poor” 145 times, and “very bad” 387 times compared to “very good” health. House workers had a lower risk (0.8 times) compared to employees, while pre-obese and obese individuals had a 1.2 times higher risk. Neck pain was twice as common in those using non-prescribed drugs and 1.3 times more common in those using vitamins and supplements. Conclusion: Neck pain is prevalent in Türkiye, with factors such as age, sex, marital status, employment, health status, obesity, and use of non-prescribed drugs and supplements as significant risk factors. This study provides a reference for understanding neck pain, its associ ated factors, and guiding future research. Cite this article as: Aydın HZ, Karaboğa HA, Yıldız NG, et al. Prevalence and associated risk factors of neck pain in the turkishTurkish population: a population based study. Acta Orthop Traumatol Turc., Published online November 7, 2025. doi:10.5152/j.aott.2025.25211.

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the validity and reliability of the Turkish version of the Wound-QoL-14 questionnaire. Methods: This methodological study included 141 patients with chronic wounds (mean age 63.52±13.94 years; 57% male) treated in a university hospital in Istanbul between March 2022 and April 2023. Content validity was assessed using both expert panel and patient feedback. Internal consistency was assessed with Cronbach’s alpha, and item-total correlations were analyzed using Pearson correlation coefficient. Test–retest reliability was evaluated in 35 patients after one week interval. Convergent validity was tested using the SF-12 Health Survey. Construct validity was assessed through confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). Results: Based on the Davis method, the item-level content validity indices ranged from 0.90 to 1.00. Cronbach’s alpha coefficients for scale items ranged from 0.76 to 0.97, and item–total correlations ranged from 0.42 to 0.78. The test–retest intraclass correlation coefficient was 0.95. Wound-QoL total scores showed a significant negative correlation with SF-12 sub-dimensions (r = -0.284 to -0.718). CFA confirmed the four-factor structure (body, psyche, everyday life, and a separate item 5) with factor loadings ranging from 0.67 to 0.93. Conclusion: The Turkish version of the Wound-QoL-14 is a valid and reliable instrument for assessing wound-related quality of life in patients with chronic wounds.

Background: Halitosis is a prevalent issue globally, causing economic burdens and diminishing quality of life, and often remains confidential due to social stigma. This survey aimed to determine the prevalence, characteristics, and early signs of the condition among the Turkish population and dentists while also exploring hygiene habits, knowledge levels, and associated psychological aspects. Methods: A total of 1,181 participants (aged 19–78 [median 22], 681 female, 655 married, 601 dentists, 886 complained of halitosis) completed a self-administered, structured questionnaire with 91 questions on halitosis, along with the Beck Anxiety and Depression Inventories. Results were compared with existing literature findings. Results: Seventy-five percent of the participants and 21.5% of dentists experienced halitosis at level 2 on a 5-point scale. Moreover, 40.3% of them experienced a bad taste. Halitosis was correlated with various factors, including tongue brushing (P=0.019), constipation (P=0.044), and lactose malabsorption (P=0.033). Gingival bleeding emerged as a significant symptom (P=0.003), correlating with soft brush use (P&lt;0.05). In addition, 40.49% of dentists reported feeling insufficiently trained in halitosis, with 83.19% expressing inadequacy in examination or treatment. Furthermore, 29.4% of 286 individuals asserted unrealistic claims, likely indicative of subjective halitosis. Halitosis can cause anxiety or depression, with males being more affected by anxiety; both dentists (P=0.0184) and non-dentists (P=0.0092) who experienced halitosis reported higher anxiety levels compared to those who did not. Conclusion: This survey offers insights into the prevalence of halitosis and its associated factors, highlighting the need for comprehensive management that includes psychological support and professional education on diagnosis and treatment.

Validity and reliability of the pediatric pressure ulcer prediction and evaluation tool in the Turkish population: Comparison with Braden QD-T.

To cross-cultural translate the Cumberland Ankle Instability Tool (CAIT) to Turkish version (CAIT-T) and to evaluate the validity, reliability, and cutoff score of CAIT-T for Turkish athletic population. The English version of CAIT was translated to CAIT-T based on a guideline of cross-cultural adaptation. Fifty-two athletes with chronic ankle instability and 63 athletes without chronic ankle instability were included in the study. Construct validity was evaluated with correlations between the CAIT-T, Turkish version of Foot Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM-T), and Numeric Rating Scale. CAIT-T was completed twice by each participant at 7 to 10days intervals to assess test-retest reliability based on the intraclass correlation coefficient, whereas Cronbach alpha evaluated internal consistency. Discriminative validity and content validity of the CAIT-T also evaluated. In construct validity, strong positive correlation was found between CAIT-T and Numeric Rating Scale perceived ankle instability (rho = -.771, P < .001), as well as moderate negative correlations with FAAM-T-activities of daily living and FAAM-T-sports (rho = -.448, P < .001 and rho = -0.541, P < .001, respectively). The CAIT-T demonstrated strong test-retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient score of .98) with a good internal consistency (Cronbach α: .85). Receiver operating characteristic curve showed a cutoff score of 26.5 (Youden index: 0.78, sensitivity: 0.57, specificity: 0.90.5). No ceiling or floor effects were observed. CAIT-T is a valid and reliable questionnaire for the assessment of chronic ankle instability in the Turkish athletic population.

Drug blood levels, influencing factors and their relationship with metabolic parameters in patients with schizophrenia using clozapine.

Analyzing Türkiye’s policies towards the Balkans in the historical process will also help to understand the reasons for today's foreign policy approach. The importance of the region for Türkiye stems from its geographical position as a gateway between Eastern, Central, and Western Europe, as well as its cultural values, which Türkiye can name as the Ottoman heritage. The economic potential of the Balkans and its transit route features are of particular importance. Because it is the main transit route for the 3.5 million Turkish population living in Central and Western Europe, the influence of a regional power like Türkiye in the Balkans cannot be underestimated, especially in an environment where the world is in an international political system oriented toward a multipolar structure, and there is still no clear answer to the question of where Türkiye will position itself. Bosnia and Herzegovina is still a cultural outpost of Türkiye extending into central Europe. The future of the Bosnians is the key to the Balkans, both geo-culturally and geopolitically. This is the most important condition for Türkiye to establish an influence area in the Balkans. The belt that stretches from northwest to southeast through Bihac, Central Bosnia-Sanjak, is the lifeblood of Türkiye's Balkan geopolitics and geostrategy. The new developments that emerged with the end of the Cold War and the authority vacuum in the region are a process parallel to the historical development. The continuation of this process will show the extent to which the reality defined as micro-nationalism in international relations literature can be perceived. The importance of the region for Turkey stems from its position as a gateway between Eastern, Central, and Western Europe and Türkiye, its cultural values that can be called Ottoman heritage, and the Turkish and Muslim elements that still look towards Türkiye.

This study aimed to assess the relationship between the root canal morphology of mandibular premolars (MPs) and the presence of distolingual roots (DLRs) in mandibular first molars (MFMs) in a Turkish population. Anatomical symmetry and the complexity of MPs' canal configurations were also analysed using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). CBCT images from 3000 individuals were examined, comprising 18 000 mandibular teeth (4 MPs and 2 MFMs per subject). Root canal types were classified according to Vertucci's system and evaluated based on sex, symmetry and the presence of DLRs. DLRs were detected in 41.23% of individuals and were significantly more frequent in females (p < 0.001). Complex canal configurations were found in 64.83% of MPs. A significant association was observed between DLR presence and increased canal complexity in MPs (p < 0.001). These findings indicate that the presence of DLRs is highly related to morphological variation in the premolar region.