Turkish Population Research Articles

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.

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

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.

The Impact of a Bhagavad Gītā and Yin Yoga-Based Psychospiritual Intervention on Anxiety, Meaning in Life, and Resilience among a Turkish Population: A Mixed-Methods Approach

Aims: Gastric cancer is the fifth most common malignancy worldwide. Celiac truncus variations are one of the most important factors complicating the surgical process of total gastrectomy and D2 lymph node dissection in the surgical treatment of gastric cancer. This study aimed to evaluate the frequency of celiac truncus variations in patients undergoing gastrectomy for gastric cancer and their impact on clinical outcomes. Methods: Preoperative computed tomography images of 114 patients who underwent total gastrectomy between January 2023 and June 2025 were retrospectively evaluated. Arterial variations were categorized according to the Michels classification. Postoperative liver enzyme levels, lymph node dissection efficacy, and clinical outcomes were analyzed in patients with arterial anatomic variations. Results: Celiac truncus variations were detected in 19.3% of patients (n=22). The most common variation was ALHA (aberran left hepatic artery), at a rate of 9.6%. No statistically significant difference was found between postoperative 24-hour ALT and AST levels in patients with hepatic artery variations and those with normal anatomy. The increase in AST and ALT parameters at the 24th hour postoperatively in 22 patients with hepatic artery variations was not significant compared to the preoperative results (AST=22-26.5, p=0.476 and ALT=18-18.5, p=0.602). There was no significant difference between the groups in terms of lymph node dissection efficacy (22.8±7.7 vs 23.3±11.6, p=0.985) and oncological outcomes. Conclusion: Celiac artery variations, especially those in the presence of ALHA, can be safely managed with appropriate perioperative assessment and experienced surgical technique. While these variations do not negatively affect oncological surgical outcomes, transient postoperative liver enzyme elevations may occur.

BackgroundThe mental foramen (MF) is a critical anatomical landmark in dental and maxillofacial procedures. Accurate localization is essential to avoid nerve injury. While orthopantomography (OPG) is commonly used, it has limitations due to its two-dimensional nature and susceptibility to artifacts. Ultrasonography (USG), which offers real-time imaging without ionizing radiation, has emerged as a promising alternative. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of OPG and USG in identifying the MF and measuring its distance to the mandibular bone.MethodsA total of 120 patients (60 males, 60 females), aged 18 and older, were included in the study. A total of 240 mental foramina were evaluated. Vertical measurements were taken from the superior border of the MF to the alveolar crest and from the inferior border to the inferior cortical border of the mandible. Ultrasonographic imaging was performed using an extraoral probe in a longitudinal position. OPGs were acquired using standard protocols, and calibration was achieved by attaching orthodontic wires to the second premolars. All measurements were taken on calibrated digital images using dedicated measurement software. Statistical analysis included paired samples t-test, one-way ANOVA, independent samples t-test, and Pearson correlation.ResultsSignificant differences were found between the two methods in all regions (p < 0.05), with OPG yielding higher distance values than USG. MF–mandibular bone distances were significantly greater in males than in females (p < 0.01). OPG showed significantly greater inferior distances in participants aged 40 years and older, while USG revealed no significant age-related differences. A strong positive correlation (r = 0.801–0.911) and high intra-observer reliability (r = 0.982–0.996) were observed between the methods.ConclusionsThis study demonstrates that USG is a reliable, non-invasive alternative to OPG for locating the mental foramen. Both methods showed a strong correlation (r = 0.801–0.911), with USG minimizing radiation exposure. OPG yielded higher distance values (14.42 mm right, 14.27 mm left) compared to USG (14.12 mm right, 14.03 mm left) (p < 0.05). MF–mandibular bone distances were significantly greater in males than females (p < 0.01). USG is a valuable complementary tool in clinical practice.Trial registrationNot applicable. This study did not involve a health care intervention and was not a clinical trial.

Development and psychometric evaluation of the parent-infant caregiving touch scale: A validity and reliability study in a Turkish population.

Background: The root canal anatomy of mandibular incisors is complex and often unpredictable,posing challenges for endodontic treatment. Insufficient knowledge of canal morphology mayresult in missed root canals and treatment failures. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence and variation of Vertucci root canal configurations in mandibular incisors within a Turkishpopulation.Methods: A total of 2400 mandibular central and lateral incisors were collected for analysis.Initially, radiovisiography (RVG) images were employed to determine the number of canals. Teethidentified with 2 canals (n=348) were further examined using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) for detailed morphological assessment. A chi-square test was used to evaluate thedistributions of various tooth types. The significance level was set at P &lt; .05.Results: The most frequently observed root canal configuration was Vertucci type I (85.5%), followed by type III (13%), and type II (1%). Types V and VI were rarely encountered. A chi-squaregoodness-of-fit test demonstrated statistically significant differences in the distribution of canaltypes (P &lt; .001). Type III canals were more likely to have an oval shape, complicating the shapingand obturation processes.Conclusion: In the Turkish population, the mandibular incisors predominantly exhibit Vertuccitype I and type III configurations. Cone beam computed tomography has been established asan effective imaging modality for assessing root canal complexity. Clinicians should be aware ofanatomical variations, especially cases with 2 canals that may converge at the apex to ensuresuccessful endodontic outcomes. Further studies with larger sample sizes are recommended tovalidate these findings.Cite this article as: Özçelik İ, Çiftçioğlu E. “Root canal configuration of mandibular incisors in Turkish population: an analysis usingVertucci’s classification with CBCT”. Essent Dent. 2025, 4, 0053, doi: 10.5152/EssentDent.2025.25053.

Misinformation, conspiracy theories, and myths rapidly spreading through social media and various news outlets can play a significant role in the increase of community-based vaccine hesitancy and refusal. This study, conducted after the conclusion of COVID-19 vaccination efforts, aimed to determine the potential impact of circulating COVID-19 vaccine myths and conspiracy theories in various news sources on vaccine hesitancy and refusal in the Turkish society during a future pandemic. Descriptive cross-sectional study. In this study 1010 adult individuals responded to an online survey published on social media platforms between November 2023 and March 2024. Data were collected using a Socio-Demographic Information Form, the COVID-19 Vaccine Myths and Conspiracy Theories Survey in Turkey, and the Vaccine Hesitancy Scale in Pandemics. The study found that the mean total score of the Vaccine Hesitancy Scale in Pandemics was 31.54 ± 5.55. The most widely accepted vaccine myths and conspiracy theories among the Turkish population were, in order: "Vaccines are definitely not safe because they were developed too quickly," "vaccines are not safe for pregnant and breastfeeding women," and "vaccines have increased deaths due to heart attacks." The statement "microchips were implanted in people via vaccines" was the least accepted belief. Among those who believed that vaccines are not safe because they were developed too quickly, 63.9% reported that they would not get vaccinated in a new COVID-19 pandemic, and 50.2% stated that they would not get vaccinated in a pandemic caused by a different agent. The resurgence of anti-vaccine movements and misinformation following COVID-19 vaccinations, which has led to increased vaccine hesitancy and refusal, urgently necessitates that health policy makers develop strategies and that healthcare providers implement effective interventions promptly.

Third molars are crucial in forensic age estimation during adolescence due to their late and variable development. The modified Demirjian method employs a nine-stage classification (0-H) for assessing dental maturity. However, population-specific validation is essential for forensic accuracy. This study aims to evaluate the relationship between chronological age and M3 development stages in a Turkish population using panoramic radiographs, and to investigate the influence of gender and anatomical location, including impaction classifications (Pell-Gregory and Winter). A total of 1656 individuals (mean age: 13.9±3.78 years) underwent digital panoramic radiography. Developmental stages of 2770 mandibular and 2553 maxillary M3s were assessed using the modified Demirjian method. Statistical analyses included Spearman correlation, Kruskal-Wallis tests and generalized linear models. Third molar development strongly correlated with chronological age. Most teeth were in stages B-E, with mandibular M3s most frequent in stages C and E, and maxillary in C and D. Age differed significantly across all stages (p<0.001). Generalized linear models confirmed age as a significant predictor (R²=0.330 mandible; R²=0.337 maxilla). Gender and impaction classifications had no main effects, but significant interactions were found (Pell-Gregory×Gender: p<0.001; Winter×Pell-Gregory: p=0.016). Conclusions: The modified Demirjian method reliably estimates age in Turkish adolescents, with high age-stage correlation. While gender and anatomical location alone do not alter developmental progression, their interaction with impaction patterns reveals complex growth dynamics. These findings support context-sensitive forensic protocols.

Cardiovascular disease risk factor knowledge, attitudes, and practices are believed to be prerequisites for adopting healthy behaviors. In this cross-sectional study, we aimed to psychometrically test the adapted Cardiovascular Disease Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Questionnaire for the Turkish population. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were performed on data from 500 Turkish individuals by splitting the sample into 2 groups for validity and reliability assessment. The reliability of the Turkish population adaptation of the scale was evaluated using Cronbach α coefficient, item-total correlation, and the Guttman split-half coefficient, and its structural validity was determined using exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis. The results of the Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin test (0.905) and Bartlett sphericity test statistics (χ2 = 4866.787, df = 406, P < .001) provided evidence that the data were suitable for factor analysis. The comparative fit index was 0.91, the goodness-of-fit index was 0.83, the root-mean-square error of approximation was 0.053, the normed fit index was 0.85, and the incremental fit index was 0.91, indicating that the model had acceptable fit. Factor analysis revealed that the scale had a 4-factor solution compatible with the original questionnaire. The Cardiovascular Disease Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Questionnaire demonstrated acceptable reliability and validity and can be used in Turkish-language studies. Future studies are recommended to collect additional evidence of its validity as well as comparative values for different cultural groups to increase the utility of the instrument.

Analysis of C-shaped canal configuration of mandibular molars in turkish population using cone-beam computed tomography and 3-dimensional modeling.

ObjectiveThis current cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the demographic characteristics and molecular epidemiology of patients with Usher syndrome in the Turkish population.MethodsPatients who were followed up with a preliminary diagnosis of Usher syndrome from various regions of the country were included in the study. After a review of patients’ medical histories, all underwent ophthalmological and otorhinolaryngological examinations. Mutations reported in previous studies in MYO7A, PCDH15, USH1C, CDH23, and USH2A were investigated using Sanger sequencing.ResultsFourteen (29.2%) patients had Usher syndrome type 1 and 16 (33.3%) had type 2. Eighteen (37.5%) patients could not be typed. We detected mutations in MYO7A (c.1343 + 1 G > A) in seven patients (six heterozygous and one homozygous) from seven families clinically compatible with Usher syndrome type 2 (rather than Usher syndrome type 1, as was expected based on previous studies).ConclusionsOur preliminary findings suggest that the proportions of patients with Usher syndrome type 1 and Usher syndrome type 2 in the Turkish population were almost equal, and none of our patients was clinically compatible with Usher syndrome type 3. Although previous studies reported that mutations in MYO7A rarely caused Usher syndrome type 2, in the Turkish population, MYO7A alleles may be hypomorphic and manifest as a milder phenotype in Usher syndrome compared with other populations.

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.

This study aimed to evaluate the validity and reliability of the Turkish version of the Health Literacy Scale for Preconceptional Care (HLSPC). This scale provides information on the general population’s current state of preconception care health literacy. This study, designed as a methodological study, was conducted with 246 participants. The HLSPC scale comprises two sections. The first section, CFA goodness-of-fit values were: χ2 = 200.67, χ2/df = 1.98, GFI = 0.92, CFI = 0.93, AGFI = 0.89, NFI = 0.88, RMSEA = 0.05. The scale’s six-factor structure remained constant, with latent variable factor loadings ranging from 0.33 to 0.87 (t: 4.81/11.96; p < 0.001). Significant differences in overall scale scores and subscales were seen between the top and bottom 27% groups (p < 0.001). The HLSPC’s Cronbach’s Alpha coefficient was 0.86, with subscale values ranging from 0.58 to 0.80, and test–retest findings showed high performance. The K-20 index for the second section was 0.66. The Turkish version of HLSPC is a valid and reliable measurement tool aimed at assessing preconception health literacy in the Turkish population.

Background: This study aimed to examine the relationship between hand types and somatotypes of healthy young individuals. Materials: A total of 312 volunteering individuals (152 F, 160 M) from Karabük University (Karabük, Türkiye), between the ages of 17 and 35 years were included in this prospective study. The somatotypes of the individuals were measured using a previously formed Excel template based on the Heath-Carter method. Factor analysis and clustering analysis were conducted with the 17 parameters measured. Results: The mean body mass index of female participants was 21.23±3.30 kg/m2, while that of males was 23.48±3.52 kg/m2. When the somatotypes of individuals were examined, 5 different groups were found to be balanced: ectomorph, endomorphic mesomorph, mesomorph endomorph, mesomorphic endomorph, and central. As a result of these factors, it was concluded that there were 4 hand types: short palm short finger, long palm long finger, wide hand long finger, narrow hand short finger. The distribution of hand types between somatotype groups, the result that endomorphic mesomorph group had long palm long finger and wide hand long finger, while balanced ectomorph group had narrow hand short finger was found to be statistically significant (x2=55.817;df=12, P&lt;0.05). Conclusion: The difference between somatotypes was not only in body types, but also in hand anthropometry. We believe that the fact that these results can be used as anatomical data in product design, ergonomics, and preliminary design of interfaces for young individuals in the Turkish population will contribute to experts interested in this field.