Turkish Statistical Institute Research Articles

Addressing the Housing Crisis: Insights from a Study on University Students in Turkey

Housing stands as a fundamental human right, acknowledged by numerous international bodies and statutes. Despite this recognition, only a handful of nations ensure adequate housing for their populace. This research endeavors to forge a connection between housing rights and social policy through a comprehensive literature review. Drawing from data provided by the Turkish Statistical Institute and the Ministry of Youth and Sports, the study addresses the escalating housing concerns among university students in Turkey. With an increasing student population and insufficient accommodation facilities, the issue has reached a critical juncture. Most students are compelled to reside in state dormitories, which lack the capacity to meet demand. Moreover, economic hardships and a dearth of financial aid exacerbate the housing crisis. The findings underscore the urgent need for the development of policies and solutions tailored to address the housing predicament faced by university students in Turkey.

Analysis of the Relationship Lag Between Beef Production Amount and Average Meat Price in Turkey Using the Koyck Model

This research was obtained from statistical tables published by the Turkish Statistical Institute (TUIK) between 2001 and 2018. In the resulting tables, the meat production amount of slaughtered cattle represents the dependent variable, while the average meat price represents the independent variable. Analysis was carried out with the help of the Koyck model to determine the relationship lag between the dependent variable and the independent variable. As a result of the research, it was found that the average meat price was affected by the meat production amount of slaughtered cattle in a maximum of two years, and that a change in the meat production amount of slaughtered cattle required 0.007 years to significantly affect the meat price. In addition, it was determined by the analysis that a 1 ton increase in the meat production of slaughtered cattle in year t increases the meat price by 0.994390, and a 1 ton increase in meat production in the t-1 period increases the meat price by 0.007731.

A STRUCTURAL EQUATION MODELING WITH WELFARE INDICATORS: EXAMINING THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SOCIOECONOMIC STATUS, ACCESS TO SERVICES AND MATERIAL DEPRIVATION

This study aims at presenting comprehensive model using welfare indicators such as socioeconomic status, access to services and material deprivation, and examining the relationships between these variables. In the analysis, we use the pooled cross-sectional data set of the Household Budget Survey of the Turkish Statistical Institute (TURKSTAT) covering the period 2015-2019. Since the simultaneous relationship between welfare indicators such as socioeconomic status, material deprivation and access to services is examined using latent variables, Structural Equation Modeling is preferred. The study finds that socioeconomic status, composed of education and income, increases households' access to services and decreases their material deprivation. In addition, as households' access to services increases, their material deprivation decreases. Our study also finds that women's socioeconomic status is lower than men's in Turkiye during the period analysed. Moreover men in households have more limited access to services and face more material deprivation than women. The increase in household size makes access to services more difficult, worsens the socioeconomic situation and increases deprivation. Considering the health status variable, it is concluded that healthy individuals have higher socioeconomic status and suffer from less deprivation.

Assessment of the general health status of children in Turkey: A community-based cross-sectional study.

This study aims to assess the general health status and factors affecting the general health status in the 0-14 age group in Turkey. This cross-sectional study was conducted using the Turkish Statistical Institute Turkey Health Survey 2022 micro data set. This study included 7019 participants. Household heads described the general health status of 91.3% of children and the dental and gum status of 82.4% of children as very good or good, and 9.2% of children had any chronic disease. Although the median breastfeeding duration was 15 months, there is statistical significant association between sex and general health status (p = 0.014) and sex and duration of breastfeeding (p = 0.006). A statistical difference was found between duration of breastfeeding and general health status (p = 0.009) and dental and gum status (p = 0.001). In 2022, the majority of children in Turkey had very good or good general health and dental and gum status. More than a third of children were breastfed for less than 12 months. Considering the possibility of neglecting oral and dental health problems, it is recommended to prioritize oral and dental health literacy trainings and to continue breastfeeding promotion programmes.

Investigation of factors affecting tobacco and e-cigarette use in Turkey

ABSTRACT Background/aim It is important to identify and understand the determinants of the use of tobacco and e-cigarette when addressing their usage. The aim of this study was to determine the sociodemographic and economic factors that affect tobacco and e-cigarette concurrent use. Methods In this study, the micro data set of the Turkey Health Survey conducted by the Turkish Statistical Institute (TURKSTAT) in 2019 was used. Bivariate probit regression analysis was used to determine the factors associated with the tobacco and e-cigarette use status of individuals. Results It is seen that 31% of the individuals participating in the research use tobacco and 1% use e-cigarettes. While 17% of the study’s participants were between the ages of 45 and 54, 34% were under the age of 34. According to the study, 69% of individuals are married. In the study, it was determined that the rate of individuals who have difficulty paying for health services is 11%. Conclusion According to the study, appropriate strategies should be developed to reduce tobacco and e-cigarette consumption by taking public health strategies and determinants affecting tobacco and e-cigarette use into account to raise awareness of the adverse health effects of tobacco and e-cigarette use.

Time Series Analysis of Long-Term Stock Performance of Airlines: The Case of Turkish Airlines

This study presents a time series analysis of the long-term stock performance of airlines, with a focus on Turkish Airlines (THY). Stock-related variables were obtained from the Istanbul Stock Exchange, and other variables were obtained from the Turkish Statistical Institute. The research investigates various economic factors that may influence THY's stock prices over an extended period. Specifically, the study examines the relationship between global energy prices, inflation, the BIST100 index, gold prices, exchange rates, and THY stock prices. The analysis employs the Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) approach, a versatile technique capable of estimating both short-term and long-term relationships between variables. The findings of this research reveal significant and statistically meaningful connections between these economic variables and THY's stock prices. Notably, the study highlights the impact of global energy prices and other economic factors on the long-term stock performance of Turkish Airlines. These results provide valuable insights for investors and analysts seeking to understand and forecast THY's stock price movements.

Long-Term Care Determinants in Türkiye: Analyzing A Comprehensive Range of Variables

By 2050, one in ten people in OECD countries will be 80 aged or older. The aging population will have several impacts on countries, such as increased demand for healthcare and social services, a smaller workforce, and a growing dependency ratio. Türkiye relies heavily on family members to provide long-term care (LTC) for their elderly. In this paper, we study the relationship between a comprehensive range of demographic and socioeconomic variables and informal long-term caregiving using the Turkish Statistical Institute’s Time Use Survey, a nationally representative micro dataset. Employing a multivariate regression analysis, we find that women are more likely to provide unpaid informal caregiving, albeit lacking strong statistical significance. The findings also reveal that being married and older are significant predictors of providing informal LTC. In contrast, we find no significant evidence that income level and house characteristics are crucial determinants of informal LTC. The findings of this study have a number of important policy implications for future practice, such as investing in healthcare and social services and developing policies to encourage LTC workforce participation.

A Multi-Criteria Strategic Evaluation Model to Determine the Suitability of Newly Rising Engineering Departments in Turkish Universities Based on the Data from the Year 2009 to 2020 Using the Econophysics Perspective

In the recent decade, engineering and technology have been developed rapidly, and new requirements are rising for engineering education. So, new and more focused departments are rising in the engineering faculty. The Turkish economy has been developed, and it is necessary to develop new technologies in industry based on the new investments. The scientific models are required to decide which engineering departments are necessary based on the socio-economic development of the economy. For this aim, we present a strategic analysis of which department can be established to meet the requirements in Turkey in light of the latest developments in the world. In the analysis stage, we listed engineering departments in the world universities and compared them with Turkish universities. We determined the selection criteria for the alternative departments, following these analyses and their related data collected from the Turkish Statistical Institute’s website. We used the new impulse and momentum principle-based weight assignment procedure integrated Technique for Order Preferences by Similarity to the Ideal Solution (IMP-TOPSIS) method to rank alternative departments using different scenarios. We concluded that Artificial Intelligence Engineering is the most suitable alternative. In addition, Aerospace Engineering has the second importance, and Materials Science and Nanotechnology Engineering have the third importance, according to the obtained results.

The high suicide rates at high altitudes may be related to divorce.

Background; Many studies have found that high altitudes are associated with suicide. Despite numerous studies in the literature, the mechanism by which high altitude increases suicide rates is not known. In this study, we investigated whether divorce affects the suicide rate at high altitudes. Methods; Using publicly available data from the Turkish Statistical Institute (TUIK), the average altitude above sea level, suicide rate, and divorce rate of each province over the last 14 years were calculated. Divorce rates, suicide rates, and altitudes were statistically compared at the end of the study. Results; The mean suicide rate did not differ according to altitude (p =0.322). The mean divorce rate differed according to altitude. The highest mean divorce rate was observed in the group with an altitude of less than 500 m (p

Determination of nurses’ happiness, hope, future expectations, and the factors influencing them: a descriptive study that can guide policy development to prevent nurse migration*

BackgroundThe happiness and hopefulness of nurses are not only known that contribute to their emotional well-being but also professional creativity, improve the quality of nursing services and organizational performance. Therefore, knowing which factors affect nurses’ mental well-being and future expectations can provide information for nursing workforce planning policies. This study was conducted to determination of Nurses’ happiness, hope, and future expectations and the factors influencing them.Method326 nurses from 52 provinces of Turkey participated in this descriptive study. The data collection instruments included a Demographic Characteristics Form and questions from the Turkish Statistical Institute’s Life Satisfaction Survey to assess overall happiness, hope, and expectation levels. The study data was collected using an e-survey prepared through Google Forms in line with the principle of voluntarism. In the study adhered to the EQUATOR checklist for descriptive studies.ResultsThe average scores for overall happiness, hope, and future expectations among the participating nurses were found to be 2.34 ± 0.98, 2.22 ± 0.95, and 1.26 ± 0.54, respectively. It was determined that the levels of happiness, hope, and future expectations of nurses are influenced by satisfaction with income, income’s ability to meet needs, and personal development over the last five years.ConclusionThe study concluded that the overall happiness and hope levels of nurses are low, while their future expectations are at a moderate level. Satisfaction with income affects the happiness and hope levels of nurses. Three quarters of the nurses participating in the study want to work abroad. This situation may lead to a need for qualified nurses in the future.

Changes in bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity of Gaziantep and Kastamonu garlic during black garlic production

Garlic (Allium sativum L.), a member of the Alliaceae family, has been widely used in cuisine and traditional medicine since ancient times. Black garlic is produced by fermentation of fresh garlic under controlled conditions for a certain period at high temperature (60-90°C) and high humidity (70-90%). According to the Turkish Statistical Institute (TURKSTAT) data, Kastamonu and Gaziantep garlic varieties are the most cultivated garlic varieties in our country. Changes in protein, sugar content, antioxidant capacity (DPPH and ABTS methods), total phenolic content, 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) content, and organosulfur compound profiles were investigated in samples taken from Kastamonu and Gaziantep fresh garlic at 7, 14, 21, and 28 days of black garlic production under 65°C temperature and 70% humidity conditions. With these analyses, the differences between black garlic and fresh garlic and the changes in black garlic during the production process were revealed in detail. It was determined that the amount of total phenolic content and antioxidant capacities increased in the black garlic production processes of both regions compared to fresh garlic. While sucrose was fresh garlic’s dominant sugar, fructose was black garlic’s dominant sugar. Among the organosulfur compounds, allicin was dominant in fresh garlic and SAC in black garlic. It was determined that SAC was formed after the enzymatic conversion of ɣ-glutamyl-S-alk(en)yl-L-cysteine and ɣ-glutamyl and the temperature and fermentation time used in black garlic production increased the formation of SAC. The protein content ranging between 5.8%-7.3% in fresh garlic was 13.1-14.2% in black garlic. Fresh and black garlic from the Gaziantep region was determined to have higher total phenolic content, antioxidant capacity, and organosulfur compound contents.

Trends in out-of-pocket health expenditure inequality in Turkey under comprehensive health reforms

The success of Turkey's inclusive health policies has served as a strategic tool for building progressivity and improving social welfare. The objective of this study is to examine the inequality trend in out of pocket (OOP) health expenditures in Turkey. Data from the Turkish Statistical Institute's Household Budget Survey conducted in 2015 and 2019 were used to measure inequalities in OOP total health, pharmaceutical and hospital expenditure variables across socioeconomic status. Decomposition analysis was conducted to identify the factors contributing to inequalities. The study findings demonstrate that OOP health expenditure is higher among the poor in Turkey. Evidence suggests that in Turkey inequalities in OOP health expenditures continue to persist. The results show that OOP health, pharmaceutical, and hospital expenditures increased from 2015 to 2019. The inequality index and curve approaches reveal that the pro-rich distribution of OOP health expenditures is remarkable from 2015 to 2019. The burden of OOP pharmaceutical and hospital services expenditures stands on the shoulders of poor households. Progressive universalism is essential to achieve poverty alleviation strategies and reduce inequality for egalitarian development.

Community Mental Health in Türkiye and Europe: Data and Influencing Factors

Human is an entity that can be completed with the combination of biological, psychological and social factors. The concept of health is defined as being in a state of complete mental, social and physical well-being. The term "community mental health" defines mental health care in relation to the individual and the environment in which the individual interacts. If the factors affecting mental health are known and intervened, it is predicted that community mental health will make positive progress. The aim of this study is to examine and compare the factors affecting community mental health by analysing community mental health data in Türkiye and Europe. The World Health Organisation (WHO) examines these factors in three groups as individual, family and community and structural factors. In order to analyse the degree to which these factors affect mental health, data from Türkiye and Europe were analysed by examining the reports of the World Health Organization, European Commission, European Parliament, OECD, Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation and Turkish Statistical Institute. It is seen that community mental health is affected by the community's understanding of health and illness, access to mental health services, gender, age, education, the concept of loneliness, unemployment, diseases affecting the world such as pandemics and the economy. As a result of mental health reports and analyses, not much difference was observed between the factors affecting public mental health in Türkiye and Europe. In general, it is seen that there are country-based evaluations in mental health data. Differences between countries are generally interpreted with the development levels of countries. However, cultural differences between countries are not emphasised. For an accurate comparison, multicentre studies should be conducted involving researchers from different countries who know the culture of the society.

Gender differences in psychological help-seeking attitudes: a case in Türkiye.

Mental disorders pose a substantial public health challenge within the overall disease burden. This study aims to determine the factors associated with seeking psychological help among individuals experiencing depression according to gender differences in Türkiye. The study utilized microdata from Türkiye Health Survey conducted by the Turkish Statistical Institute in 2016, 2019, and 2022. Binary logistic regression analysis was employed to determine the factors associated with seeking psychological help. The study's findings reveal that variables such as survey year, age, education level, employment status, general health status, disease status, depression status, day service status in the hospital, daily activity status, tobacco use status, and alcohol use status are associated with the status of receiving psychological help. Gender-specific analysis indicated variations in the significance and impact of these variables among individuals seeking psychological help. In the development of preventive strategies for mental health protection, special attention should be given to factors associated with the psychological help-seeking behavior of both women and men. Prioritizing and addressing these factors will contribute to more effective mental health interventions.

Identify risk factors affecting participation of Turkish women in mammography screening for breast cancer prevention.

Cancer screening is a public health intervention aiming to reduce cancer-caused deaths. This study aims to determine the factors affecting the mammography screening time among women aged 40-69. The micro dataset obtained from the Türkiye Health Survey conducted by the Turkish Statistical Institute (TurkStat) in 2019 and 2022 was used in the present study. Stereotype logistic regression was used to determine the variables affecting mammography screening and period for breast cancer prevention in women in Türkiye. Given the results achieved from the analysis, it was found that factors such as age, marital status, general health condition, comorbidity, receiving psychosocial support, high blood lipid levels, and performing breast self-examinations affected women's adherence to cancer screening programs. Since adherence to mammography increases with age, it is recommended to pay importance to education for women approaching the age of mammography screening. Educated individuals are expected to have access to multiple sources of information as to cancer and to access this information more easily. In order to gain more insight into the recommended preventive measures and outcomes related to cancer, it is suggested to review policies, which will increase the educational level of women, and provide privileges in the field of education.

Estimation of pruning wastes and biochar production potential of Turkey

In agriculture-producing countries, pruning waste is obtained from fruit-bearing trees during the fruit-growing process. The present study aims to determine the potential of biochar of pruning wastes, obtained as a result of agricultural activities that have economic value. To the best of the author’s knowledge, no study has been conducted in Turkey to make a regional estimation of the biochar potential of pruning wastes. Biochar produced from waste provides the advantage of use in various fields, such as soil remediation and water and wastewater treatment. In this study, data on the number of trees bearing fruit (almond, apple, apricot, cherry, peach, pear, plum, and sour cherry) from the Turkish Statistical Institute were used based on the equations specified. First, the amount of pruning waste, then the usable pruning waste, and finally their biochar potential were calculated. It was estimated that the apple tree had the highest total biochar potential (41.5 thousand tons/year). Regarding the regions, the highest biochar potential was in the Central Anatolia Region for the apple tree (19.3 thousand tons), followed by the Eastern Anatolia Region for the apricot tree (13.6 thousand tons). The total biochar potential of pruning wastes from fruit-bearing trees in Turkey was estimated at 175 thousand tons for the year 2021.

KONUT İŞLEM HACİMLERİ ARACILIĞIYLA KONUT PİYASASININ MEKANSAL ANALİZİ: MENTEŞE, MUĞLA

As there is a reciprocal relationship between the patterns of investor decisions, local and central government strategies, household mobility, and housing transactions have repercussions on both macro and micro scales. Housing transactions within a metropolitan region can alter certain neighbourhood dynamics through the cycle of housing sales regarding urban development patterns, socio-economic characteristics of the residents, tenure type, neighbourhood, and housing quality. Even though the connection between neighbourhood dynamics and housing transactions is undeniable for spatial disci-plines, there are very limited studies for that matter. This study aims to explore the housing market dynamics of Menteşe via housing transactions. It employs three different datasets (Open Street Map (i), Household, housing and office data collected by the Turkish Statistical Institute (ii), Title deed transaction statistics by The Directorate of Land Registry and Cadastre (iii)). For spatial heterogeneity, Moran’s I, and spatial randomness, a local indicator of spatial association (LISA) has been applied. The findings revealed the role of centrality and the importance of mixed land use in housing markets even though all the neighborhoods on the periphery are very close to the city center in terms of distance.

Investigation of infant deaths associated with critical congenital heart diseases; 2018–2021, Türkiye

BackgroundThe aim of this study was to examine the characteristics of infant mortality associated with critical congenital heart disease (CCHD).MethodsIn a cross-sectional study, data for the study were obtained through Death Notification System, Birth Notification System and Turkish Statistical Institute birth statistics.ResultsOf all infant deaths, 9.8% (4083) were associated with CCHD, and the infant mortality rate specific to CCHD was 8.8 per 10,000 live births. CCHD-related infant deaths accounted for 8.0% of all neonatal deaths, while the CCHD specific neonatal death rate was 4.6 per 10,000 live births. Of the deaths 21.7% occurred in the early neonatal, 30.3% in the late neonatal and 48.0% in the post neonatal period. Group 1 diseases accounted for 59.1% (n = 2415) of CCHD related infant deaths, 40.5% (n = 1652) were in Group 2 and 0.4% (n = 16) were in the unspecified group. Hypoplastic left heart syndrome was the most common CCHD among infant deaths (n = 1012; 24.8%). The highest CCHD related mortality rate was found in infants with preterm birth and low birth-weight while multiparity, maternal age ≥ 35 years, twin/triplet pregnancy, male gender, maternal education in secondary school and below, and cesarean delivery were also associated with higher CCHD related infant mortality rate. There was at least one non-cardiac congenital anomaly/genetic disorder in 26.1% of all cases.ConclusionCCHD holds a significant role in neonatal and infant mortality in Türkiye. To mitigate CCHD-related mortality rates, it is crucial to enhance prenatal diagnosis rates and promote widespread screening for neonatal CCHD.

Decadal Descriptive Analysis of Health Status, Hospitalization, Intensive Care Admissions, and Mortality Rates Among the Elderly Population in Turkey (2012-2022)

Objective: This study aimed to analyse decadal changes in health status, hospitalisation, intensive care admissions, and mortality rates among the Turkish elderly population from 2012 to 2022, focusing on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Material and Methods: A retrospective study obtained data from the Turkish Statistical Institute (TÜİK) and Health Statistics Yearbooks. Descriptive statistics were used to elucidate healthcare utilisation patterns and mortality profiles among individuals aged ≥ 65 years. Results: Analysis showed that self-reported "Very good/Good" health status peaked at 70.7% in 2012, decreased to 60.9% in 2019, and rebounded to 63.4% in 2022. The hospitalisation rates for the 65-74 age group increased from 17.5% in 2012 to 20.2% in 2021, with males (20.2%) having higher rates than females (16.0%) in 2021. ICU admission rates escalated during the pandemic, reaching 3.7% in 2021 for ages 65-74 and 4.7% for 75+ years, before declining in 2022 to 3.0% and 4.0%, respectively. The annual population growth rate has significantly decreased from 21.7 per thousand in 2012 to 5.5 per thousand in 2022, whereas the crude death rate has remained stable, dropping from 7.1 per thousand in 2012 to 5.1 per thousand in 2022. Conclusion: This study highlights fluctuating health perceptions among the elderly exacerbated by the pandemic. The enduring gender disparities in health status and healthcare utilisation underscore the need for gender-sensitive policies. The consistent yet stable mortality rates amidst demographic shifts emphasise the resilience of Turkey's healthcare system. These findings provide critical insights into geriatric care policies and post-pandemic health care strategies.

Cryptocurrency interest in geographical regions with high unemployment rates

Purpose- In regions with high unemployment rates, individuals often face economic uncertainty and may seek alternatives to traditional financial systems. In such circumstances, some individuals may turn to alternative investments and financial instruments, with cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin being among them. The value of these cryptocurrencies is often volatile due to their speculative nature, which can lead investors to take on more significant risks. While this situation can result in substantial gains, it can also lead to significant financial losses. The primary use of cryptocurrencies is generally for investment purposes. Since cryptocurrencies are digital, they operate entirely in a virtual environment. The loss or theft of the digital password in the virtual space means the loss of the wallet. Security in cryptocurrencies is very weak. The lack of government guarantees and legal infrastructure globally poses certain threats to investors, making cryptocurrencies carry a higher risk compared to other investment instruments. This study will investigate the regional relationship between cryptocurrency interest and unemployment rates. The aim is to determine whether individuals living in geographical areas with high unemployment rates show more interest in cryptocurrencies compared to those in other geographical regions. Methodology- In line with the research objective, Google search engine data for the past 10 years has been analyzed using content analysis methodology. A query has been conducted to determine in which regions of Turkey cryptocurrency names are most frequently searched, and a comparison has been made on a provincial level across all 81 provinces. Additionally, considering the unemployment data provided by the Turkish Statistical Institute (TUIK), regions with high and low unemployment rates have been identified. Subsequently, an investigation has been carried out to determine whether there is any correlation between regional Google searches and unemployment rates in these areas. Findings- When examining the findings from the perspective of unemployment, it has been observed that the regions where cryptocurrency names are most frequently searched align with areas having the highest unemployment rates, while the least searched areas correspond to regions with lower unemployment rates. Among the 10 provinces with the highest unemployment rates, 8 of them are included in the list of 10 provinces with the highest Bitcoin search frequency. Similarly, 8 out of 10 provinces with the lowest employment rates are also listed among the 10 provinces with the highest Bitcoin search frequency. Furthermore, among the 10 provinces with the lowest per capita gross domestic product (GDP), 7 of them are included in the list of 10 provinces with the highest Bitcoin search frequency. Conclusion- As a result of the relationship analyses conducted in the research, it has been observed that in Turkey, regions with high unemployment rates, low employment rates, and low Gross Domestic Product (GDP) have a higher frequency of Bitcoin searches compared to other regions. Keywords: Cryptocurrency, unemployment, bitcoin JEL Codes: P44, E24, E44