Objective: This study aims to elucidate the comprehensive effects of metabolic syndrome (MetS) on the structural integrity of subcortical brain regions and associated structures through high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) volumetric analysis, thereby contributing to a deeper understanding of the neuroanatomical dimensions of MetS and its potential implications for cognitive functions and overall brain health. Methods: A cross-sectional design was implemented, involving 25 individuals diagnosed with MetS for at least one year and a healthy control group of 15 individuals at a tertiary hospital's family medicine clinic in Eastern Turkey. Participants underwent a high-resolution MRI scan using a 1.5T Siemens Aera scanner. The MRICloud platform was employed for comprehensive segmentation and quantitative analysis of various brain structures. Results: The study revealed significant volumetric reductions in all measured subcortical brain regions among individuals with MetS compared to the control group (all P < 0.05). Notable differences were observed in key structures such as the substantia nigra, corpus callosum, and thalamus. In subcortical structures, the largest volumetric differences were noted in the basal ganglia L (1322.4 mm³), while the most significant percentage differences were seen in the substantia nigra R (25.24%) and caudate nucleus L (21.02%). Conclusion: The findings from this study underscore the significant neuroanatomical changes associated with MetS, manifesting as volumetric reductions in critical subcortical brain areas. These alterations underscore the necessity for further research into the comprehensive influence of MetS on cognitive processes and the potential for early therapeutic interventions.

Although qualitative research is vital to healthcare, it remains underused in medical academia.This study therefore aims to examine in depth the perceptions of medical faculty academics without prior experience in conducting qualitative research, the challenges they face, and the potential contributions of these methods to health research. The research is based on a descriptive qualitative study conducted with twelve faculty members specialising in various medical disciplines in three different provinces in Türkiye. Participants were selected using a combination of purposive and snowball sampling methods to ensure a diverse and relevant sample. Face-to-face and Zoom interviews were carried out using structured interview techniques, and data collection continued until data saturation was achieved. The interview data were audio-recorded, transcribed, and analysed using the thematic analysis method. The study followed the “Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research” (COREQ) checklist to ensure comprehensive reporting of the qualitative research process. Academics acknowledge the significant value of qualitative research in the field of health; however, they are unable to use these methods effectively due to problems such as a lack of practical experience, limited institutional support, and inadequate training programs.Participants also pointed out that they required targeted mentoring and hands-on training to address these issues. Some participants expressed concerns about the time-intensive nature of qualitative studies, which often conflicts with their existing professional responsibilities. Others emphasised the lack of recognition and incentives for qualitative research within institutional policies, further discouraging engagement. Despite these barriers, several participants also highlighted the complementary nature of qualitative and quantitative methods, particularly in addressing complex health problems. Integrating qualitative methodologies into medical faculties can support a deeper understanding of complex health problems. Our findings highlight the need for enhanced hands-on training and stronger institutional support to enable inexperienced academics to engage more effectively with qualitative research.

Introduction: Electronic cigarettes, or e‐cigarettes, are rapidly gaining popularity throughout the globe as safer alternatives to traditional cigarette smoking. There are significant public health concerns due to the uncertainty of long‐term health consequences. This study aims to examine the experiences, attitudes and social dynamics of e‐cigarette users to provide guidance for public health policies and interventions.Methods: In this qualitative descriptive study, semi‐structured interviews were conducted. Fifteen e‐cigarette users were recruited using a snowball sampling strategy, where initial participants referred other suitable users. All participants had at least 6 months of regular e‐cigarette use. Data were collected through face‐to‐face interviews with open‐ended questions. The interviews were transcribed verbatim and reviewed by the researchers. This review identified four main themes and eight sub‐themes.Results: The four main themes identified as a result of the analysis are as follows: (1) initiation and usage experiences; (2) perceptions of health effects; (3) social and environmental factors and (4) addiction and future plans. Participants primarily began using e‐cigarettes out of curiosity, due to the appealing fragrance and the belief that they were less harmful than traditional cigarettes. Usage patterns varied among participants, with some reporting minimal cravings in the early morning hours. Opinions on the long‐term health effects of e‐cigarettes were diverse, with many participants acknowledging uncertainty. Peers and family members perceived e‐cigarettes as more socially acceptable than traditional smoking, resulting in fewer negative reactions. Finally, participants' levels of addiction and intentions to quit varied, with some expressing a desire to reduce or cease usage due to health concerns.Conclusion: The findings of this study indicate that the adoption of e‐cigarettes is influenced by a confluence of factors, including curiosity, the perception of reduced damage in comparison to conventional cigarettes and social acceptance. Notwithstanding these claimed advantages, users have a diverse array of beliefs and understandings concerning the enduring health consequences of e‐cigarettes. The presence of varying levels of addiction and the corresponding aspirations to cease the behaviour highlight the necessity for focused public health interventions.Patient or Public Contribution: E‐cigarette users were actively involved in this study, providing essential insights and feedback throughout. Their first‐hand experiences shaped the interview guide and contributed to the identification of key themes. Participants also reviewed and confirmed the accuracy of the interview transcripts, ensuring the reliability of the data.

Air pollution has become a significant global public health concern, with evidence linking it to various adverse health outcomes, including respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. While numerous studies have investigated the effects of these particulate and gaseous pollutants on both healthy individuals and patients, further research is needed to clarify the short-term hematological and pulmonary responses in individuals without underlying health conditions. This study aims to explore the relationship between air quality, hematological parameters, and pulmonary function in a healthy population in Turkey. This cross-sectional study included 326 healthy, non-smoking adults aged 18–65 years. Air Quality Index (AQI) data for the examination day and the preceding 5 days were collected. Hematological parameters and pulmonary function tests were analyzed. Spearman and Pearson correlation tests were used to compare numerical variables. Group comparisons were conducted using the independent samples t-test and Mann-Whitney U test. The mean AQI on the day of the medical visit was 68.20, indicating moderate air quality. Significant negative correlations were observed between AQI and hematological parameters, including leukocyte (r = -0.111, p = 0.046), lymphocyte (r = -0.134, p = 0.016), and platelet counts (r = -0.141, p = 0.011). Similar negative correlations were found for the 5-day average AQI. For pulmonary parameters, AQI was negatively correlated with FEF50% (r = -0.172, p = 0.002), FEF25% (r = -0.140, p = 0.012), FEV1/FVC% (r = -0.125, p = 0.024), and FEF75% (r = -0.124, p = 0.025). Short-term exposure to moderate air pollution significantly impacts hematological parameters and specific pulmonary function indices, even in healthy individuals. These findings emphasize the importance of continuous air quality monitoring and public health interventions to mitigate the health risks of air pollution.

Aim: Post-COVID-19 refers to the period of symptoms and health problems that last longer than 12 weeks after being infected with the SARS-CoV-2 virus and cannot be explained by other diagnoses. This study aims to determine the symptoms experienced by patients in the post-COVID-19 period and how these symptoms affect their quality of life. Methods: The study was cross-sectional and descriptive, and it was conducted at a tertiary hospital's COVID-19 follow-up outpatient clinic between November 2021 and October 2022. Due to the clinic's policy of accepting only inpatients previously, only patients with proven polymerase chain reaction positivity, inpatient treatment and between 12-52 weeks post-infection were included in the study. The study assessed 77 different symptoms in 145 participants using a comprehensive symptom questionnaire and the European Quality of Life 5 Dimensions 3 Level Version Scale. Results: The study included 145 participants with an average age of 62.39±14.71 years. Of the total participants, 56.6% (n=86) were male and 43.4% (n=63) were female. The most common symptom among the participants was fatigue (53.1%), followed by forgetfulness (40%) and dyspnea (26.9%). The study found that the patient's overall quality of life was negatively affected by the symptoms they experienced (p<0.001). The symptoms that most affected the quality of life were sleeping disorder and muscle pain (p<0.001). Conclusion: Even long after infection with COVID-19, patients may be symptomatic, and this may affect their quality of life. Keywords: post-acute COVID-19 syndrome, long-COVID, quality of life, COVID-19

Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) have become increasingly popular among both adults and young people seeking to quit smoking and have sparked significant debates regarding their health effects. The current study aims to analyze how physicians’ opinions in Türkiye address public health risks by examining the most-watched electronic cigarette videos on YouTube. The 16 most-watched YouTube videos in Türkiye featuring physicians discussing e-cigarettes were analyzed using thematic content analysis. The videos were chosen from searches conducted between April 2024 and December 2024 with the keywords “electronic cigarette,” “electronic cigarette use,” “harm of e-cigarettes,” “are e-cigarettes harmful,” “e-cigarette benefits,” “e-cigarette doctor” and “e-cigarette Physician.” Videos over 1 min with physicians as primary speakers and at least 1,000 views were included. The verbal content of physicians’ opinions in the videos was transcribed verbatim, and the analyzed videos were categorized into four main themes and eight sub-themes. The analysis of the videos revealed that physicians emphasized the physical and psychological health risks of e-cigarettes, particularly their detrimental effects on the respiratory and cardiovascular systems. Nicotine addiction was highlighted as a persistent issue, with e-cigarettes perpetuating dependence rather than serving as a smoking cessation tool. Additionally, marketing strategies targeting younger demographics, such as flavored products and appealing advertisements, were identified as a significant factor in shaping misconceptions about the relative safety of e-cigarettes. While some physicians acknowledged a reduction in certain harmful substances compared to traditional cigarettes, the majority emphasized the long-term health effects of e-cigarettes and warned against assuming these products are less harmful. The findings reveal that physicians on YouTube predominantly adopt a cautious approach toward e-cigarettes, emphasizing their health risks and potential to perpetuate nicotine addiction. Marketing strategies targeting younger audiences were identified as a significant factor influencing public perceptions. These insights highlight the importance of health professionals engaging on digital platforms to address misconceptions and promote accurate, evidence-based information about e-cigarettes.