Yazarlar
- Bayraktar, Bülent(33)
- Dertli, Enes(33)
- Dirican, Ebubekir(20)
- Akeren, Zahide(18)
- İspirli, Hümeyra(18)
- Kizil, Hamit Emre(17)
- Semerci, Vahide(14)
- Bayram, Sinan(13)
- Kul, Murat(13)
- Sönmez Sarı, Ebru(13)
- Agar, Guleray(12)
- Akman, Onur(12)
- Kırbaş, Zila Özlem(12)
- Akeren, İhsan(11)
- Koçak, Lokman(11)
- Makas, Samet(11)
- Can, Zehra(10)
- Uzunçakmak, Sevgi Karabulut(10)
- Yayla, İbrahim Erdoğan(10)
- Çelik, Eyüp(10)
- Bayraktar, B.(9)
- Bulbuloglu, Semra(9)
- Kızıl, Hamit Emre(9)
- Tekce, Emre(9)
- Aydemir, Uğur(8)
- Daştan, Buket(8)
- Hintistan, Sevilay(8)
- Kalyoncuo, Servet(8)
- Sönmez Sari, Ebru(8)
- Türkmen, Mutlu(8)
- Apaydın, Emine(7)
- Arslaner, Ayla(7)
- Beydemir, Şükrü(7)
- Dombak, Kübra(7)
- Kara, Yakup(7)
- Mercan, Emin(7)
- Semerci Çakmak, Vahide(7)
- Can, Özgür Devrim(6)
- Esgin, Özge(6)
- Güneş, Hüseyin(6)
Yayınlar
- MakaleYalnız künye2026Scopus SJRQ1Effect of ultra-processed food consumption on premenstrual syndrome across different body mass index categories: a cross-sectional analysis
Köktürk, Seda Nur; Taş Yıldırım, Esra; Yardımcı, Hülya
Purpose – This study aimed to examine the association between ultra-processed food (UPF) consumption and premenstrual syndrome (PMS) across different body mass index (BMI) categories in women. Design/methodology/approach – A total of 480 women aged 20–49 years participated in the study between May 2024 and May 2025 in 3 cities in Türkiye. PMS symptoms were assessed using the Premenstrual Syndrome Scale (PMSS), and UPF intake was evaluated according to the NOVA classification using a food frequency questionnaire. Anthropometric measurements, including height and body weight, were taken by researchers, and BMI was calculated for each participant. Findings – The mean BMI of the participants was 24.2 ± 4.9 kg/m2, with an average daily UPF intake of 858.0 ± 133.3 g. Higher UPF intake was significantly associated with increased reporting of PMS, with 7.0% higher odds among normal-weight women, 19.0% higher odds among overweight women, and 41.0% higher odds among women with obesity. Moreover, as UPF consumption increased from the lowest (Q1) to the highest quartile (Q4), the odds of experiencing PMS symptoms were 2.65 times (OR: 2.65, %95 CI: 1.52–4.61), 2.85 times (OR: 2.85, %95 CI:1.60–4.95), and 3.07 times (OR: 3.07, %95 CI: 1.71–5.49) higher, respectively (p = 0.001). Research limitations/implications – These findings underscore a significant association between UPF consumption and PMS symptoms, particularly among women with obesity. Given the high prevalence of PMS and its substantial impact on women's well-being, dietary interventions aimed at reducing UPF intake may represent a promising approach for PMS management and prevention. Originality/value – To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first to examine the relationship between UPF intake and self-reported PMS presence across different BMI categories. 2026
- MakaleAçık Erişim2026Scopus SJRQ4Investigation of the effects of imagery practices on target-aimed punch, motor imagery skills and proprioceptive senses of karate players; [Дослідження впливу практик уявлень на цільові удари, навички рухової образності та пропріоцептивні відчуття каратистів]
Boz, Emre; Kul, Murat
Background and Study Aim. This study aims to examine the effects of an 8-week motor imagery training program on target-oriented punch performance, motor imagery skills, and proprioceptive senses in karate athletes aged 15-17. Material and methods. The research employed an "non-equivalent control group design." A total of 31 athletes were divided into experimental (n=16) and control (n=15) groups. The experimental group participated in motor imagery sessions in addition to their routine karate training for 8 weeks, while the control group only performed standard technical training. Data were collected at four different intervals using a target-oriented punch performance test, a joint reposition test (proprioception), and a movement imagery scale. Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics, Repeated Measures ANOVA, Paired Samples t-test, and Bonferroni corrections. Results. The results indicated that while both groups showed improvements in target-oriented striking performance, the experimental group achieved significantly higher mean scores in post-test measurements compared to the control group. Regarding proprioceptive sensory measurements and movement imagery scales (both kinesthetic and visual), the experimental group demonstrated superior development, reaching scores near the maximum possible value. However, retention test measurements revealed a relative decline in shoulder joint sense and technical performance compared to the immediate post-test values. Conclusions. It was concluded that motor imagery exercises practiced in parallel with kumite training significantly enhance technical striking precision, mental imagery capacity, and deep sensory perception in karate athletes.
- MakaleAçık Erişim2026Scopus SJRQ4Virucidal and antiviral activities of maca (Lepidium meyenii) root powder on three pathways of Norovirus as a foodborne pathogen; [Actividades viricidas y antivirales del polvo de raíz de maca (Lepidium meyenii) en tres vías del norovirus como patógeno transmitido por los alimentos]
Korkmaz, Irem Omurtag; Korkmaz, Serol; Parmasiz, Ayse; Mavili, Seda; Bayraktar, Bülent; Sait, Ahmet; Keles, Aysen Gargili
Vitamin C equivalency, the cytotoxicity on murine macrophage cells, and the virucidal and antiviral activities of maca (Lepidium meyenii) powder on murine norovirus (MNV) as a norovirus surrogate for human as a foodborne pathogen were studied. The antioxidant capacity of the maca was determined by MTT assay as vitamin C equivalency (VCEAC). The 50% cytotoxic concentration (CC50) was calculated with the linearity of maca concentrations-cell viability. The activities of maca against the virus was determined as the 50% tissue culture infective dose with Spearman–Karber method. The VCEAC of maca linearly increased with the concentration. The non-cytotoxic concentrations of maca were measured on murine macrophage with a CC50 of 5.77 mg/mL and a CC80 of 1.28 mg/mL. As maca reduced the virus titration based on contact time in the virucidal assay in several conditions, it did not significantly inhibit MNV on three infectivity pathways of host cell at non-cytotoxic concentrations of maca. The result of this first study presented that despite its ineffective in the treatment and prophylaxis of norovirus infection, maca might be an alternative food additive and preservative against human norovirus as an important foodborne pathogen causing outbreaks worldwide. © Los autores. Este artículo es publicado por la Rev Inv Vet Perú de la Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos. Este es un artículo de acceso abierto, distribuido bajo los términos de la licencia Creative Commons Atribución 4.0 Internacional (CC BY 4.0) [https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/deed.es] que permite el uso, distribución y reproducción en cualquier medio, siempre que la obra original sea debidamente citada de su fuente original
- Derleme MakaleYalnız künye2026Scopus SJRQ1The Potential Neuroprotective Role of Biotin in Neurorehabilitation: A Review
Gunay, Esra; Gezmen-Karadag, Makbule
Purpose of Review: Biotin is a water-soluble vitamin that mammals cannot synthesize and must obtain from the diet. Beyond its established role as a cofactor for biotin-dependent carboxylases, biotin has attracted neurological interest because intermediary metabolism, lipid handling, and myelin maintenance are biologically linked. This narrative review examines biotin across three distinct exposure contexts—nutritional adequacy, functional insufficiency, and pharmacological supplementation—and evaluates its putative relevance to neuroprotection and neurorecovery-oriented processes. Recent Findings: Dietary biotin intake is generally sufficient in mixed diets, and overt deficiency is uncommon; however, low diet quality, reduced bioavailability, and methodological limitations in status assessment may complicate interpretation of biotin sufficiency in clinical nutrition. No validated gold-standard biomarker is currently available. Experimental studies suggest that biotin may modulate pathways related to cellular bioenergetics, lipid metabolism, and myelin-associated processes, but these findings are predominantly preclinical and should not be interpreted as direct evidence of clinical efficacy. In progressive multiple sclerosis, high-dose biotin has been evaluated in human studies, including randomized trials, yet clinical results remain inconsistent and laboratory assay interference remains a relevant practical limitation. Summary: Current evidence does not support conflating adequate dietary biotin intake with pharmacological high-dose exposure. Although biotin remains mechanistically plausible in neuroenergetics and myelin-related disorders, its therapeutic relevance to neurorecovery remains uncertain. Better-designed studies are needed to refine exposure assessment, define dose–response relationships, and determine whether mechanistic signals translate into meaningful clinical benefit.
- MakaleAçık Erişim2026Scopus SJRQ1Chemical composition acaricidal activity and honeybee safety of essential oils from Origanum acutidens, Satureja hortensis, and Juniperus communis against Varroa destructor
Erdoğan, Yaşar
Varroa destructor is a destructive ectoparasite of honeybees (Apis mellifera). This study investigates the chemical composition and bioactivity of essential oils obtained from three medicinal plants (Origanum acutidens, Satureja hortensis, and Juniperus communis). The chemical components of the essential oils were determined by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). These oils were evaluated for their acaricidal, repellent, and insecticidal activities against V. destructor, as well as their lethal effects against honeybee larvae. The results revealed that the essential oils of O. acutidens (LC50: 2.18, LC90: 6.07 µL/L) and S. hortensis (LC50: 1.79, LC90: 5.77 µL/L) exhibited strong acaricidal effects, while those of J. communis (LC50: 3.75, LC90: 4.16 µL/L) exhibited moderate activity. S. hortensis showed the highest repellent effect against V. destructor (ED50: 0.44, ED90: 1.25 µL/L), followed by O. acutidens (ED50: 0.58, ED90: 4.22 µL/L) and J. communis (ED50: 0.87, ED90: 46.3 µL/L). Furthermore, the larval mortality rates remained below 5% in all treatments, indicating negligible toxicity to honeybee larvae. Overall, this study highlights for the first time the comparative acaricidal and repellent efficacy of these three essential oils under identical experimental conditions, emphasising their potential as natural and environmentally friendly alternatives for controlling V. destructor. Further research is needed to optimise application methods and evaluate long-term effects under field conditions.
AtıfScopus1WoS2OpenAlex2
İncele - Derleme MakaleAçık Erişim2026Scopus SJRQ1Relationships between problematic social media use and social comparison: a meta-analysis
Demir, Mustafa; Yayla, İbrahim Erdoğan; Kaya, Metin; Koçak, Lokman; Arpaci, Ibrahim; Baloglu, Mustafa
We examined the relationship between problematic social media use (PSMU) and social comparison via a meta-analysis. We conducted a systematic literature review and meta-analysis. The study includes quantitative data from 20 independent studies published between January 2019 and October 2025 that examined the relationship between PSMU and social comparison. The studies encompassed adolescents, university students, and the general adult population from both individualistic and collectivist cultural contexts. Effect sizes were calculated using Fisher’s z-transformation under a random-effects model. The results indicated a modest positive relationship between PSMU and social comparison, with an effect size (ES) of 0.24 (95% CI [0.13, 0.36]). Following the Trim-and-Fill adjustment, the effect size decreased slightly, but the overall pattern was preserved. Additional meta-analyses based on standardized regression coefficients showed that, when control variables were included, the association weakened but remained detectable (ES = 0.169, 95% CI [0.029, 0.309]). Effect sizes in unpublished studies were close to zero; however, this finding should be interpreted with caution, as it is based on a limited number of unpublished studies. A high degree of heterogeneity was observed across the analyses. Moderation and meta-regression analyses indicated that the relationship may vary depending on the type of social comparison scale, age, gender composition, and countries’ Global Innovation Index scores. Studies using theory-based measures of social comparison reported higher effect sizes. Higher effect estimates were observed in samples comprising older participants, in groups with a greater proportion of men, and in countries with lower levels of national innovation. In contrast, effect estimates in adolescent samples were relatively small and, in some subgroup analyses, remained trivial despite reaching statistical significance. In conclusion, social comparison shows a limited, context-sensitive relationship in magnitude rather than a strong or universal one with PSMU. However, it is unclear whether the observed relationship reflects a genuine connection between the independent constructs or partial conceptual overlap between the measurement instruments. The findings suggest that, although some sub-group effects may be statistically significant, their practical importance may remain limited. Therefore, the relationship between PSMU and social comparison should be evaluated within a multi-layered theoretical framework that accounts for measurement approaches, socio-technical contexts, and potential conceptual overlaps between constructs.
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İncele - MakaleAçık Erişim2026Scopus SJRQ3Investigation of e-sports attitudes among prospective physical education and sports teachers
Vural, Engin; Toçoğlu, Sinem; Kiratli, Tuncay; Yildirim, Yavuz; Saritemur, Büşra
This study aimed to examine the e-sports attitudes of prospective physical education and sports teachers. A total of 304 participants, including 154 (50.7%) females and 150 (49.3%) males, with a mean age of X ̄ = 21.17±2.10, studying in the Department of Physical Education and Sports Teaching at three different state universities, were included in the study. A Personal Information Form developed by the researchers and the "E-Sports Attitude Scale" were used to assess e-sports attitudes. According to the study results, a statistically significant difference was found in mean e-sports attitude scores according to the gender variable (p<0.05). It was determined that there were no statistically significant differences in mean e-sports attitude scores according to class level (p>0.05). However, statistically significant differences were observed in mean e-sports attitude scores based on the duration of gameplay (p<0.05). In conclusion, it was found that males exhibited more positive attitudes toward e-sports, grade level did not significantly affect e-sports attitudes, and participants' attitudes toward e-sports became more positive as gameplay duration increased. Future studies may consider exploring other demographic factors influencing e-sports attitudes, which are expected to contribute further to the literature.
- MakaleAçık Erişim2026Scopus SJRQ1Nurses’ Workplace Discrimination Experiences and Their Reflections on Career Development: A Qualitative Study
Koroglu Kaba, Nagihan; Apaydin, Emine; Kulakaç, Nurşen
Aim: This study was conducted to examine how nurses experience discriminatory behaviors in the workplace and how these experiences are reflected in their career development. Background: Although discrimination constitutes a significant challenge in nurses’ professional lives, qualitative research examining how these experiences influence their career development processes remains limited. Methods: This phenomenological study was conducted with nurses working in a public hospital in Turkey. Semi-structured individual interviews were conducted with 21 nurses during the study. Participants were selected from various clinical settings through purposive sampling. Data were analyzed using Colaizzi's seven-step content analysis method. Ethics committee approval was obtained for this study. The Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research checklist guided the study reporting. Results: Five main themes with seven subthemes emerged: (1) Discrimination Experiences (types of discrimination, sources of discrimination, emotions/feelings), (2) Reporting Behavior (decision and consequences of reporting, reasons for not reporting), (3) Impact of Discrimination on Career Development (supportive effect, hindering effect), (4) Coping Strategies, and (5) Suggestions for Preventing Discrimination. Discussion: These themes highlight that discrimination is a multidimensional phenomenon and that holistic approaches must be developed at emotional, structural, professional, and institutional levels to cope with it. Conclusion: For some nurses, discrimination acts as a transformative process that supports career development, while for others, it represents a significant barrier to professional advancement. Implications for Nursing/Nursing Policy: The findings highlight the need to strengthen reporting mechanisms, establish a supportive work culture, and implement inclusive institutional policies that promote career development.
AtıfScopus1OpenAlex1İncele - MakaleAçık Erişim2026Scopus SJRQ1Relationship between food insecurity, intuitive eating, and body mass index among adults: a cross-sectional study in Türkiye
Ünal, G.; Esgin, Özge
This study examined the relationship between food insecurity, intuitive eating, and body mass index among adults. This cross-sectional study was conducted through face-to-face interviews between January and March 2025 at a public university in Türkiye, involving 1166 students and personnel (65.7 % women; age range: 19–64 years). Participants answered the Food Insecurity Experience Scale and the Intuitive Eating Scale-2, which has four subdimensions: unconditional permission to eat, eating for physical rather than emotional reasons, reliance on hunger and satiety cues, and body-food choice congruence. Self-reported body weight and height were collected to calculate body mass index. Food insecurity was experienced by 42.7 % of participants. It was associated with lower total Intuitive Eating Scale-2, reliance on hunger and satiety cues, body-food choice congruence (controlled for sex, institutional role, and age), and eating for physical rather than emotional reasons (controlled for sex and institutional role) scores. Sex was not a moderator of the association between food insecurity and intuitive eating. There were no significant interactions between Intuitive Eating Scale-2 total and subdimensions and food security status for body mass index. Overall, our study provides empirical evidence that food insecurity is a significant factor that contributes to low levels of intuitive eating in a large sample of Turkish adults. Further studies should investigate the moderating effect of sex on the association between food insecurity and intuitive eating, while also emphasizing the role of food insecurity in the relationship between intuitive eating habits and body mass index in different populations.
AtıfWoS1OpenAlex2İncele - MakaleAçık Erişim2026Scopus SJRQ2Barriers to physical activity in individuals with autism spectrum disorders after the 2023 Kahramanmaraş Earthquakes in Türkiye
Yarımkaya, Erkan; Şenlik, Zeynel Abidin; Demir, Mehmet; Töman, Ufuk; Kul, Murat; Türkmen, Mutlu
The individual, environmental and systemic physical activity (PA) barriers experienced by individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in daily life may become more complex after a devastating disaster such as an earthquake. In order to effectively combat the high level of inactivity that may occur after an earthquake in individuals with ASD, PA barriers must be determined before the earthquake. However, no description is provided in the literature regarding the PA barriers experienced by individuals with ASD after the earthquake. The purpose of this phenomenological study is to examine parents’ experiences regarding PA barriers experienced by individuals with ASD after the 2023 Kahramanmaraş earthquakes in Türkiye. Fifteen parents of individuals aged 8 and 31 with ASD were interviewed. The interviews were analyzed using both inductive and deductive content analysis approach. Three overarching themes were found: (1) the effects of PA on individuals with ASD, (2) post-earthquake PA barriers, and (3) the consequences of lack of PA in individuals with ASD. The results revealed that parents were aware of the benefits of PA and directed their children with ASD to PA before the earthquake. However, after the earthquake, parents encountered PA barriers that they had to overcome, and this negatively affected the children with ASD.
AtıfScopus5WoS5OpenAlex5İncele - MakaleYayıncıda açık erişim2026Scopus SJRQ2Life satisfaction and problematic online gaming among young adults: the mediating roles of depression, anxiety, and stress
Bekir, Seyhan; Yayla, İbrahim Erdoğan; Makas, Samet; Manci, Egemen; Yildirim, Murat
Objective: Problematic online gaming has emerged as a growing concern among young adults, often linked to reduced well-being and increased mental health problems. This study aimed to investigate whether depression, anxiety, and stress mediate the relationship between life satisfaction and problematic online gaming among young adults. Method: A total of 336 Turkish students participated in this cross-sectional study by completing self-reported measures of life satisfaction, depression, anxiety, stress, and problematic online gaming via an online survey. Results: Results indicate that lower life satisfaction related to higher levels of stress and depression, which in turn increase problematic online gaming behaviors. In contrast, anxiety did not have a significant mediating role, since its confidence interval included zero. Conclusions: In conclusion, both direct and indirect associations were found between lower life satisfaction and problematic online gaming, through stress and depression. Anxiety was not found to have a significant mediating effect in this relationship. These findings suggest that interventions aimed at enhancing life satisfaction and reducing psychological suffering could help to prevent such behavior.
AtıfWoS1İncele - MakaleAçık Erişim2026Scopus SJRQ1Development and psychometric evaluation of the Self-Regulated Nursing Care Scale (SRNCS) among Turkish nurses
Akeren, Zahide; Akeren, İhsan; Isik, Hafsa Kubra
Background: Self-regulation refers to individuals’ ability to control themselves, manage their behaviours and learn from their environment. Self-regulated learning skills may support nurses in providing effective care. This study aimed to develop and psychometrically evaluate the Self-Regulated Nursing Care Scale (SRNCS) for assessing nurses’ self-regulated nursing care skills based on Zimmerman’s Self-Regulated Learning Model (Z’SLM) and the relevant literature. Methods: The planning, implementation and evaluation components of nursing care were considered in relation to the forethought, performance and self-reflection phases of Z’SLM. Data were collected online between November 2022 and January 2023 from nurses working in state hospitals. Content validity was assessed through expert review. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) were performed using data from 201 and 239 nurses, respectively. Criterion validity and reliability were also examined. Results: EFA yielded a 16-item, three-dimensional structure comprising planning, implementation, and evaluation and explaining 63.9% of the total variance. CFA supported this three-factor structure in an independent sample. Criterion validity was supported by correlations with the Counselling Skills in Nurses Scale. Cronbach’s alpha was 0.95 for the overall scale and 0.81, 0.87, and 0.93 for the planning, implementation, and evaluation dimensions, respectively. The test-retest reliability coefficient was 0.77. Conclusion: The findings support the validity and reliability of the Turkish form of the SRNCS for assessing self-regulated care skills among nurses providing inpatient care. The scale may be used in research and clinical settings to assess planning, implementation and evaluation dimensions of self-regulated nursing care. Future studies may examine relationships between SRNCS scores and care-related outcomes.
AtıfOpenAlex1İncele - MakaleAçık Erişim2026Scopus SJRQ1Associations between technology use, perceived burdensomeness, and independence among rural older adults
Bal, Betül; Apaydin, Emine
Objective: This study aims to examine the relationships among perceived burdensomeness, technology use habits, and activities of daily living (ADL) in older adults residing in rural areas. Methods: This descriptive correlational study was conducted with 384 older adults living in rural areas in two different regions of Turkey. Data were collected using an Information Form, the Geriatric Perceived Burdensomeness Scale, the Barthel Index for Activities of Daily Living, and the Technology Use Habits Scale. Results: Perceived burdensomeness was moderately and negatively correlated with ADL (r = − 0.484, p < 0.001), whereas technology use habits were weakly but positively correlated with BADL (r = 0.192, p < 0.001). In the hierarchical regression analysis, technology use habits showed a positive and statistically significant association with ADL in the initial model (β = 0.189, p < 0.001). When perceived burdensomeness was added to the model, it emerged as a strong negative predictor of ADL (β = −0.497, p < 0.001), substantially increasing the explained variance. In the fully adjusted model, perceived burdensomeness, age, digital device use, and duration of digital device use were significantly associated with ADL, whereas age did not significantly affect the relationship between perceived burdensomeness and ADL. Overall, perceived burdensomeness and technology use habits were identified as key factors related to functional independence among rural older adults. Conclusion: The findings of this study indicate that perceived burdensomeness and technology use habits are closely associated with independence in activities of daily living among older adults living in rural areas. These findings indicate an association between technology use and perceived burdensomeness and provide a foundation for future research in nursing practice and rural health services. Future research is recommended to focus on evaluating technology-based and psychosocial interventions that support independence and psychosocial well-being in rural older populations. Clinical trial number: Not applicable.
- MakaleAçık Erişim2026Scopus SJRQ2Perceived burdensomeness and happiness in cohabiting older adults: The serial mediating roles of mental well-being and loneliness
Akeren, Zahide; Akeren, Ihsan; Kalyoncuo, Servet
Background Aging-related changes and increased dependence on family members may negatively affect older adults’ psychological well-being. Perceived burdensomeness refers to the belief that one is a burden on others and has been associated with lower happiness, reduced mental well-being, and greater loneliness. Among adults living with their families, mental well-being and loneliness may explain how perceived burdensomeness relates to happiness in later life. Purpose This study examined the associations between perceived burdensomeness and happiness among older adults living with their families and evaluated the serial mediating roles of mental well-being and loneliness. Methods This cross-sectional study included individuals aged ≥65 years residing with family members in a city in Turkey’s Eastern Black Sea region. Data were collected from 273 older adults; after preliminary screening, 7 cases were excluded, resulting in a final analytic sample of N = 266. Measures included the Geriatric Feelings of Burdensomeness Scale, WHO-5, the Happiness Scale, and the Loneliness Scale for the Elderly. Serial mediation was tested using a regression-based approach with bootstrap confidence intervals. Results Perceived burdensomeness was associated with lower mental well-being and higher loneliness. The total association between burdensomeness and happiness was negative (β=-0.467), and more than two-thirds of this association operated indirectly through mental well-being and loneliness. Conclusion and Implications Perceived burdensomeness was associated with lower happiness among older adults living with their families, primarily through reduced mental well-being and increased loneliness. In geriatric nursing and primary care, routinely assessing these psychosocial factors and implementing family-centered and social support-oriented interventions may help improve happiness.
AtıfScopus1OpenAlex1İncele - MakaleYayıncıda açık erişim2026Scopus SJRQ1Psychological well-being, body image and self-esteem in elite and amateur female taekwondo athletes in Türkiye
Gönen, Mevlüt; Türkmen, Mutlu; Çakır, Zekai; Arı, Fatih; Çatıkkaş, Fatih
Background: Female athletes competing in weight-category sports may experience unique psychological pressures related to body image, performance expectations, and sociocultural gender norms. While elite sport participation is often assumed to enhance psychological functioning, evidence remains mixed. This study examined differences in psychological well-being, body image, self-esteem, and athletic identity between elite and amateur female taekwondo athletes in Türkiye, a cultural context characterised by distinct gender and body norms, and explored their associations with psychological well-being. Türkiye represents a theoretically relevant context in which institutional weight regulation intersects with sociocultural gender norms, creating a setting in which body-related psychological experiences may be uniquely shaped by both sport structures and cultural expectations. Methods: A cross-sectional design was employed with 233 female taekwondo athletes (107 elite, 126 amateur; M_age = 22.0 ± 3.2 years). Participants completed validated Turkish versions of the Warwick–Edinburgh Mental Well-Being Scale (WEMWBS), the Body Appreciation Scale-2 (BAS-2), the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES), and the Athletic Identity Measurement Scale (AIMS). Independent samples t-tests, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), Pearson correlations, and hierarchical multiple regression analyses were conducted. Results: No significant differences were found between elite and amateur athletes in psychological well-being or self-esteem. Elite athletes demonstrated significantly stronger athletic identity (p <.001), whereas amateur athletes reported significantly, though modestly, higher body image scores (p =.046). In regression analyses, self-esteem (β = 0.428, p <.001) and body image (β = 0.354, p <.001) were significant predictors of psychological well-being, jointly explaining 52.6% of the variance (R² = 0.526), with self-esteem showing the strongest independent association. Effect size estimates indicated that differences were large for athletic identity (d = 0.75), small for body image (d = 0.26), and negligible for psychological well-being and self-esteem (d = 0.09 and d = 0.13, respectively). Conclusions: Psychological well-being in female taekwondo athletes was more strongly associated with self-esteem and body image than with competitive level. These findings support prioritising self-esteem and body appreciation in structured psychological support programs for female athletes in weight-category sport systems.
- MakaleAçık Erişim2026Scopus SJRQ1Sport Participation and Happiness Among Veteran Footballers: The Mediating Role of Social Capital
Adatepe, Eda; Kul, Murat; Özkan, Ali; Kırkbir, Fatih; Öz, Ümit; Ünlü, Yılmaz; Seleciler, Cansu; Boz, Emre
Aim: As the global population is aging rapidly, promoting physical activity in later life is increasingly seen as a good strategy to enhance and sustain the social and psychological well-being of older adults from a positive aging perspective. This study explored how social capital influences the relationship between playing football and happiness in veteran footballers. Specifically, it aimed to understand if social capital acts as a mediator between these two factors. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed on a convenience sample of 423 veteran footballers aged from 38 to 59 years who completed a survey at 35th Sakarya Veterans Football Tournament in Sakarya in north-west Turkey. Football participation was assessed using the Serious Leisure Inventory. Social capital was assessed in both cognitive and structural aspects. A single-item scale assessed general happiness. Data were analyzed with Pearson correlation coefficients and were calculated using SPSS (version 24) to assess the direction and strength of the links between the investigated variables. Path coefficients were calculated through regression analyses. For testing mediation effects, the study utilized Hayes’ bootstrapping method, executed with the Version 4.2 Beta of the PROCESS macro. Results: According to the research findings, the direct effect of football participation on happiness was determined to be 0.43 (p < 0.01). While community involvement played a significant mediating role with a coefficient of 0.11 (95% CI [0.05, 0.15]), the social trust and neighborhood dimensions of social capital did not yield statistically significant effects. Collectively, the model explains 24% of the variance in happiness (R2 = 0.24), with a total effect of football participation calculated at 0.57 (p = 0.000). Conclusions: it is believed that social environments that include participation in sport can contribute to successful and comfortable aging by greatly enhancing the overall well-being and happiness of older athletes/adults.
- MakaleAçık Erişim2026Scopus SJRQ1The effect of virtual school tour on preschool children’s school adjustment
Kotaman, Hüseyin; Balci, Asli; Kilic, Zeynep Nur Aydin; Tutkun, Cansu
Starting school for the first time can be a challenging transition for young children and their families. This study combined quantitative and qualitative approaches to examine the impact of a virtual school tour on the school adjustment process of kindergarten students who are about to start school for the first time. The study included 18 kindergarten teachers and a total of 359 children, with 176 in the treatment group and 183 in the control group. Children in the treatment group viewed a 6–10 min interactive 360° virtual tour of their school before the school year began, while those in the control group did not receive any preparatory intervention. Children’s school adjustment was assessed three weeks after school entry using the School Adjustment Teacher Evaluation Scale, which measures school avoidance, school liking, cooperative participation, and self-directiveness. Quantitative data were analyzed using the Mann–Whitney U test, and qualitative data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Results showed that children in the treatment group demonstrated significantly lower school avoidance (U = 13266, p =.002, r =.164), higher school liking (U = 11221, p <.001, r =.284), and greater cooperative participation (U = 8541.5, p <.001, r =.860) than those in the control group, with no significant difference for self-directiveness. Qualitative findings supported these results, indicating that the virtual tour increased children’s familiarity with the school, reduced separation anxiety, and facilitated smoother communication between parents and teachers. Teachers reported that participating children entered school “as if it were already familiar,” adapted more quickly, and interacted more readily with peers and teachers. This study contributes to early childhood education by offering a scalable, low-cost, technology-based strategy for easing school transitions. Findings suggest that virtual school tours can be a practical tool for improving children’s early school experiences and enhancing family-school partnerships.
AtıfScopus1WoS1OpenAlex2İncele - MakaleAçık Erişim2026Scopus SJRQ2Acute Music-Frequency Exposure Modulates Salivary Stress and Neurotrophic Markers in Young Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Bozok, Ümmü Gülşen; Özcan, Gülbahar Böyük; Bayraktar, Bülent; Özen, Doğukan
Background: The exam period is a period full of intense stress and anxiety that deeply affects cognitive and physiological responses for university students. Listening to music has the potential to protect cellular health and alleviate the negative effects of stress by affecting individuals' mood, and cognitive functions. This study aimed to investigate the differential effects of 528 and 432 Hz music frequencies on salivary BDNF, CREB, and GRP78 levels in young adults, along with their association with cognitive performance under exam-related stress. Methods: A total of 162 healthy university students were randomly assigned to three groups: no music (control), 528 Hz instrumental music, and 432 Hz instrumental music. Participants listened to music for 20 min, after which saliva samples were collected and analyzed for brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78) and cyclic AMP response element-binding protein (CREB) levels using ELISA. Cognitive performance was assessed using the Stroop word-color test administered by medical doctor. Results: Exposure to 528 Hz music significantly increased salivary BDNF (3.84 [2.76–4.13]) and CREB levels (1.5 [1.38–1.59]) compared to control (p < 0.05), whereas GRP78 levels were elevated in the 432 Hz group (0.51 [0.47–0.58]) (p < 0.05). No significant differences were observed between groups in Stroop test performance. Conclusion: These findings suggest that specific music frequencies elicit distinct biological responses under exam-related stress, even in the absence of immediate cognitive performance differences. Salivary neurotrophic and stress-related biomarkers may offer valuable non-invasive insights into music's neuromodulatory effects. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: AMU-EC-8522.
AtıfScopus1WoS1OpenAlex1İncele - MakaleAçık Erişim2026Scopus SJRQ1Optimizing Budget Allocation for Digital Health Investments Using Metaheuristic Algorithms: A Cost–Impact Analysis for Public Health Systems
Dayi, Faruk; Erdogdu, Aylin; Esmer, Yusuf; Yildiz, Ferah; Ganji, Farshad
Background: In the era of digital transformation, public health systems increasingly rely on digital technologies to improve accessibility, efficiency, and patient outcomes. However, policymakers face significant challenges in allocating limited resources across competing digital health investments characterized by uncertainty and dynamic impacts. Methods: This study introduces the Adaptive Impact–Cost Optimization Theory (AICOT), a hybrid framework integrating fuzzy logic and genetic algorithms to optimize digital health investment portfolios. The model defines the Investment Priority Score (IPS) as a function of cost, expected impact, and implementation feasibility, enabling structured evaluation under uncertainty. A fuzzy inference system with centroid-based defuzzification is used to convert qualitative assessments into quantitative scores, while optimization techniques identify optimal portfolios across different fiscal scenarios. The empirical analysis covers 15 OECD countries (2018–2024) using publicly available datasets. Sensitivity analyses assess robustness under inflation, cost shocks, and changing system priorities. Results: The findings show that blended investment strategies combining routine digital health tools with pandemic-oriented infrastructures yield the highest resilience-adjusted efficiency. Results remain stable across sensitivity scenarios, with pandemic surveillance consistently ranking as a top priority even under increased cost conditions. The model effectively captures cross-country heterogeneity, demonstrating adaptability to different levels of digital maturity. Conclusions: AICOT provides a transparent and policy-relevant decision-support framework that improves resource allocation efficiency and reduces unnecessary expenditures. These contributions support long-term financial sustainability and align with global health objectives, including Universal Health Coverage and Sustainable Development Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-being).
AtıfScopus1WoS1OpenAlex1İncele - MakaleAçık Erişim2026Scopus SJRQ2Recitation Mode Is Associated With Salivary CREB and Cortisol Responses during Qur'anic Recitation
Okur, Süheyb; Topyay, Yusuf; Bayraktar, Bülent
Background: Spiritual practices such as Qur'anic recitation are commonly associated with psychological and physiological regulation; however, their salivary biomarker correlates remain insufficiently understood. This exploratory study examined whether different modes of Qur'anic recitation were associated with changes in salivary cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB), a biomarker related to plasticity-associated pathways, and cortisol, a marker of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis activity. Methods: The sample comprised three nonrandomized, criterion-defined conditions: Passive Control (n = 20; participants unable to read Qur'anic Arabic), Sight-Reading (n = 30), and Memorized Recitation (n = 30). Saliva samples were collected immediately before and after the experimental task or passive rest period. Salivary CREB and cortisol concentrations were quantified using ELISA. Post-task CREB levels were analyzed using ANCOVA with baseline CREB as a covariate. Cortisol responses were analyzed using change scores, Welch's ANOVA, and an additional robust factorial model with HC3 heteroscedasticity-consistent standard errors to evaluate exploratory Condition × Gender patterns. Results: After controlling for baseline CREB levels, experimental condition had a significant effect on post-task salivary CREB, F(2, 76) = 8.16, p < 0.001, η2p = 0.18. Memorized recitation showed higher adjusted post-task CREB levels than both sight-reading and passive control conditions. Cortisol change scores also differed significantly across conditions, Welch's F(2, 40.02) = 30.76, p < 0.001. Both active recitation conditions were associated with cortisol reduction relative to passive rest, with no significant difference between sight-reading and memorized recitation. Although descriptive data suggested a possible gender-related divergence in the memorized recitation condition, the Condition × Gender interaction did not remain statistically significant under robust estimation and was therefore interpreted as exploratory. Conclusion: These preliminary findings suggest that Qur'anic recitation modes are associated with distinct salivary biomarker patterns. Memorized recitation was linked to higher adjusted salivary CREB levels, whereas both active recitation modes were associated with cortisol attenuation relative to passive rest. Because the present design did not include active non-Qur'anic vocalization or neutral reading control conditions, the specificity of these effects to Qur'anic content cannot be determined. Future studies should include active control conditions and larger gender-stratified samples to clarify the mechanisms underlying these biomarker responses.
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