INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to determine the caregiving burden and related factors among individuals providing care to patients diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease (PD).
METHODS: This descriptive and cross-sectional study was conducted with 283 caregivers of patients with PD. Data were collected using a descriptive characteristics form and the Zarit Caregiving Burden Scale (ZCBS). Descriptive statistics, t-tests, analysis of variance, and correlation analyses were used in data analysis. The Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology checklist was followed during the planning and reporting phases.
RESULTS: The mean ZCBS of the family caregivers was found to be 58.51±18.69. A significant relationship was found between ZCBS and descriptive characteristics of patients such as age (p=0.049), disease duration (p=0.004), and Parkinson’s stage (p<0.001). The ZCBS scores were different according to marital status (p=0.001), income level (p<0.001), and daily caregiving time (p<0.001) of caregivers. Caregivers of patients in advanced disease stages, with longer caregiving hours and lower income levels, reported significantly higher burden levels. No significant differences were found in burden scores based on caregivers’ age, gender, education, employment status, or place of residence.
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: The caregiver burden for individuals caring for patients with Parkinson’s disease is above moderate and is affected by clinical and sociodemographic factors. Those providing care for longer periods and to patients in more advanced stages experience greater strain. These results highlight the importance of identifying caregivers at risk for high burden and implementing support mechanisms such as psychosocial counseling, respite care, and caregiver training programs.

INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to examine the association between receiving preconception care and pregnant women’s health practices during pregnancy, and to identify sociodemographic and pregnancy-related factors associated with these practices.
METHODS: This cross-sectional observational study was conducted with 245 third-trimester pregnant women at a Family Health Center in Istanbul between September 2022 and January 2023. Data were collected using a Descriptive Information Form developed in line with the literature and the Health Practices in Pregnancy Questionnaire-II (HPQ-II).
RESULTS: The mean HPQ-II score of the pregnant women was 118.9±14.2. Significant differences in mean HPQ-II scores were observed according to maternal age, education level, spouse’s education level, employment status, income level, smoking status, family type, and pregnancy planning status (p<0.05). Pregnant women who had received preconception care before the current pregnancy, as well as those whose spouses had received preconception care, had significantly higher HPQ-II scores compared to those who had not (p<0.05). In the multiple linear regression analysis, maternal education level, spouse’s receipt of preconception care, perceived income level, and family type were significant predictors of HPQ-II scores (p<0.05). In contrast, age group, spouse’s education level, maternal receipt of preconception care, employment status, smoking status, and pregnancy planning were not significant predictors (p>0.05).
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Preconception care was associated with better health practices in pregnancy. Education level, income, family type, and spouses’ preconception care were significant predictors. Strengthening preconception counseling for women and their partners may help promote healthier pregnancy behaviors.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of the study is to evaluate hypertension awareness, treatment adherence, and blood pressure (BP) control among primary care patients with diagnosed hypertension and to identify factors associated with BP control.
METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted in a family medicine outpatient clinic in Karaman between January and March 2024, including 200 hypertensive patients. Data were collected through structured face-to-face interviews and clinical assessments. BP was measured using a calibrated digital sphygmomanometer after at least 5 min of seated rest; the average of two measurements was recorded. BP control was defined as systolic BP (SBP) <140 mmHg and diastolic BP <90 mmHg. Multivariable linear and logistic regression analyses were performed to identify factors associated with BP outcomes.
RESULTS: Among 200 participants (mean age: 59.9±9.2 years; 58.0% female), BP control was observed in 88.0% attending regular primary care follow-up. Most were overweight or obese (89.7%), and 82.5% reported regular
medication use. However, 45.5% could not name their antihypertensive drugs, and only 30.5% correctly identified guideline-recommended BP targets. The most common response to elevated BP was lemon water consumption (51.1%). Controlled BP was significantly associated with physical activity (p=0.009), no salt addition to food (p=0.029), awareness of BP targets (p=0.020), and monotherapy use (p=0.024). In multivariable linear regression, age (β=0.304, p=0.003) and physical inactivity (β=−4.479, p=0.016) were independently associated with higher SBP. In parsimonious logistic regression, physical activity was the only independent predictor of BP control (odds ratio=2.76, p=0.027). No significant associations were found with body mass index, waist circumference, or education level.
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: While pharmacological BP control was achieved in this cohort, major deficits in hypertension awareness, medication literacy, and lifestyle behaviors were identified. Sustainable management requires comprehensive patient education and behavior-focused interventions alongside effective treatment.

INTRODUCTION: Breast cancer is the most common malignancy in women; early detection through screening improves survival. This study aimed to compare patients diagnosed through screening with those diagnosed outside screening programs to identify factors influencing participation in breast cancer screening.
METHODS: A total of 356 breast cancer patients at Ankara Etlik City Hospital were surveyed and divided into screening-diagnosed and non-screening groups. Objective knowledge levels were assessed using a 10-item Breast Cancer Knowledge Test developed specifically for this study. Factors associated with screening participation were evaluated using univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses.
RESULTS: Overall, 23% of patients were diagnosed through screening programs. Referrals for screening were most frequently made by family doctors (58%), followed by other doctors (19.8%) and social circles (12.4%). In the screening group, early stage (Stage I–II, p<0.001), higher educational level (p<0.001), regular self-breast examination (p<0.001), family history of breast cancer (p<0.001), and family history of other malignancies (p=0.025) were more frequent. Univariate analysis showed that higher educational level (p<0.001), family history of breast cancer (odds ratio [OR]=3.03; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.72–5.34; p<0.001), and family history of other malignancies (OR=1.77; 95% CI: 1.07–2.91; p=0.026) were associated with screening participation. In multivariate analysis, higher educational level (OR=5.60; 95% CI: 1.72–18.2; p=0.004) and family history of breast cancer (OR=2.48; 95% CI: 1.13–5.44; p=0.023) remained independent predictors.
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: These findings show that breast cancer screening programs enhance early-stage diagnosis, with higher participation among women with higher education and a family history of breast cancer. Targeted education and active referrals for lower-educated and high-risk women are essential to increase participation.

INTRODUCTION: Obesity is a well-known risk factor for cardiac remodeling; however, there may not be a direct correlation between obesity severity and cardiac structure. Moreover, the role of adiposity phenotypes, reflecting fat distribution patterns, remains incompletely understood. This study aimed to evaluate the association between obesity severity, adiposity indices, and body composition phenotypes with left ventricular mass index (LVMI).
METHODS: Based on body mass index, 229 people were categorized as overweight, mild, moderate, or severely obese. Cardiac morphometry parameters were assessed using echocardiography. Body adiposity index (BAI), body roundness index (BRI), waist-to-height ratio (WHtR), body shape index, and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) were among the adiposity indices that were computed. Using BRI- and BAI-based methods, participants were further divided into adiposity phenotypes (visceral, peripheral, mixed, and low-risk). Group comparisons were performed using the Kruskal––Wallis H test, and multivariable linear regression was conducted to identify independent predictors of LVMI.
RESULTS: LVMI differed significantly across obesity categories (p<0.001), demonstrating a non-linear pattern, with lower values observed in mild and moderate obesity compared to the overweight group, and a relative increase in severe obesity. Similar non-linear trends were observed across all adiposity indices (BAI, BRI, WHtR, WHR; all p<0.001). In multivariable analysis, age was independently associated with LVMI (β=0.004, p<0.001), whereas sex was not. Compared to the low-risk phenotype, only mixed obesity was independently associated with increased LVMI (β=0.064, p<0.001), while visceral and peripheral obesity alone were not significant predictors. The overall model was significant (adjusted R2=0.178, p<0.001).
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Obesity severity alone cannot adequately account for the non-linear association between obesity and cardiac remodeling. Compared with isolated fat distribution patterns, the adiposity phenotype – especially mixed obesity – seems to be a stronger predictor of elevated LVMI. These results emphasize how crucial it is to take phenotype-based classification and fat distribution into account when assessing cardiovascular risk.

INTRODUCTION: This study was conducted to determine the approaches of nurses working in internal medicine and surgical units toward patient safety culture.
METHODS: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted with 170 nurses working in internal medicine and surgical clinics of hospitals affiliated with the Ministry of Health between January 2025 and March 2025. Data were collected online through Google Forms using the “Hospital Survey on Patient Safety Culture.” The data were presented using numbers, percentages, means, and standard deviations; the Mann–Whitney U test was used for comparisons between two groups, and the Kruskal–Wallis H test was used for comparisons among three or more groups.
RESULTS: The mean score of the “Overall Perceptions of Safety” subdimension among nurses working in surgical units (72.63±28.73) was higher than that of nurses working in internal units (65.33±29.89). In both units, the lowest positive response rates were found in the “Non-punitive Response to Error” (internal: 25.78±29.29; surgical: 28.42±29.96) and “Staffing” (internal: 30.67±19.53; surgical: 29.74±18.70) subdimensions. Among nurses working in internal units, those with weekly working hours exceeding 49 h had lower teamwork and management support scores (p<0.05). In surgical units, nurses working more than 49 h/week had higher scores in the “Hospital Management Support for Patient Safety” and “Hospital Handoffs and Transitions” subdimensions (p<0.05).
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: The findings indicate that the patient safety culture among nurses working in both medical and surgical units requires further strengthening. Although nurses in surgical units reported more positive perceptions of safety, low scores in the non-punitive response to error and staffing dimensions highlight important areas for improvement across all units. Working hours were found to influence several dimensions of patient safety culture, suggesting that workload and organizational factors play a significant role in shaping safety perceptions. Strengthening managerial support, promoting a non-punitive approach to error reporting, ensuring adequate staffing levels, and improving working conditions may contribute to the development of a stronger patient safety culture and enhance the quality and safety of patient care.

INTRODUCTION: The World Health Organization plans to increase the frequency of exclusive breastfeeding in the first 6 months of life from 37.0% to 50.0% worldwide by 2025. This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge and attitudes of university students about breast milk and breastfeeding.
METHODS: The study was conducted with 1177 participants at Selcuk University in the 2022–2023 academic year. In this descriptive study, data were collected through face-to-face interviews using a questionnaire that included a breastfeeding process and sociodemographic characteristics form, as well as the infant feeding attitude scale (IOWA) Infant Feeding Attitudes Scale.
RESULTS: The mean IOWA score of female participants was higher than that of their male counterparts (p<0.001). The proportion of participants studying in the health area was higher compared to those studying in non-health areas (p<0.001). Students from the Faculties of Medicine and Nursing-Midwifery more frequently reported that breastfeeding should be initiated within 1 h after both vaginal and cesarean deliveries compared to students from the Faculty of Arts and Sciences (all p<0.001).
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: In this study, the knowledge and attitude levels of students studying in the field of health were found to be higher than those of students studying in non-health fields. Training on breast milk and breastfeeding should be expanded to include students from other departments and from the health field.

INTRODUCTION: This study aims to explore the level of knowledge about autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in parents aged 18–36 months.
METHODS: This cross-sectional descriptive study was performed in 354 parents with 18–36-month-old children between August 01, 2022, and January 31, 2023, in family health care centers. Participants were evaluated face-to-face with sociodemographic data and the modified early childhood screening (modified checklist for autism in toddlers [M-CHAT]) Scale. It is the assessment of ASD and a 23-question scale.
RESULTS: Of the study, 65.3% participants were female, and the mean age of parents was 34.9±5.7 years. Almost all parents reported to having heard of a disease called autism. 68.9% stated that the diagnosis should be performed by an experienced physician through clinical examination and observation, whereas 81.6% reported that they would consult a clinician immediately if their child’s speech was delayed. Another striking result emerging from our analyses was that, although the participants had heard of ASD before, the most authoritative source of information was social media. The question with the highest number of correct answers was asked whether your child should look at you when calling their name. The question with the lowest number of correct answers was that your child does not play imaginary games. Additionally as the parents' educational level of increased M-CHAT scores, of children being identified as high risk for ASD, based on significantly decreased.
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: This study showed that parents had limited knowledge of autism. Educational status and having children were found to be associated with autism awareness. If the parents recognize the symptoms of autism in their child, they can seek medical help.

INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to map the global scientific landscape and research evolution on the relationship between masticatory performance and blood glucose levels using bibliometric analysis.
METHODS: This quantitative-descriptive bibliometric study analyzed publications from the Scopus database covering the period 1994–2025. Keyword combinations related to mastication and glycemic response were used for the search. Data were analyzed using R Studio (v2024.4.1), VOSviewer (v1.6.20), and Tableau (v2023.2) to identify bibliometric indicators, collaborative networks, and thematic trends.
RESULTS: A total of 652 publications from 311 sources were analyzed. Research output grew from 10 articles/year (1995–2005) to 34 articles/year (2017–2025). Asian countries led the research effort (46.80%), with Japan contributing the most (97 publications). Tokyo Medical and Dental University was the most productive institution, while Hirano Hirohiko and Watanabe Yutaka were the most cited authors (9 publications; 795 citations each). Major publication outlets included the Journal of Oral Rehabilitation and Gerodontology. Thematic evolution progressed from observational studies (2010–2013) to mechanistic research (2014–2017) and clinical interventions (2018–2020).
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: There has been substantial growth in research examining the relationship. Future research should address geographical imbalances, promote methodological standardization, and encourage future longitudinal and interventional research.

Pain in the plantar heel region can be caused by numerous conditions, such as plantar fasciitis, which is the most common cause of heel pain in adults. It is also frequently associated with an inferior calcaneal spur. This exostosis arises at the origin of the short flexor muscles of the toes and shares a pathophysiological mechanism, but its association with heel pain has not been demonstrated. Fracture of the inferior calcaneal spur is a very rare fracture and a cause of painful heel. We present the case of a 50-year-old woman who consulted for plantar pain on her left foot after a fall with her weight on that foot. Examination and a radiograph led to the diagnosis of a fracture of the inferior calcaneal spur. In the few previously published cases and in this one, conservative management with rest, local cold therapy and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs has been shown to be effective in controlling symptoms within a period of 2 weeks to 1 year, without any functional limitations on the affected foot. This should be considered to prevent the use of more aggressive and riskier
treatments whose outcome has not been shown to be superior to conservative management at the outset.

Acute lobar nephronia (ALN) is a localized bacterial infection of renal lobules, representing an intermediate stage between acute pyelonephritis and renal abscess. While well-described in children, ALN has been under-reported in adults. Accurate diagnosis is critical to ensure appropriate prolonged antibiotic therapy and to avoid unnecessary interventions