Türk Tıp ve Sağlık Bilimleri Dergisi/Turkish Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences

KAPAK SAYFASI/COVER PAGE

Thu, 07 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

KAPAK SAYFASI/COVER PAGE

EFFECTS OF INTERMITTENT FASTING ON TYPE 2 DIABETES PATIENTS

Kübra Nur Yiğit — Thu, 07 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by insulin resistance and pancreatic β-cell dysfunction, with a rapidly increasing prevalence worldwide. Obesity, sedentary lifestyle, and unhealthy dietary habits are among the प्रमुख modifiable risk factors contributing to the development of T2DM. Current treatment approaches include lifestyle modifications, pharmacological therapies, and, in some cases, insulin administration. However, interest in alternative and complementary nutritional strategies has been increasing.

In this context, intermittent fasting (IF) has emerged as a dietary approach attracting attention due to its potential beneficial effects on metabolic health. Intermittent fasting involves alternating periods of fasting and feeding within specific time frames and may promote ketogenic metabolism, thereby increasing fat oxidation. Studies indicate that IF can improve insulin sensitivity, reduce plasma insulin levels, enhance glycemic control, and contribute to reductions in body weight and visceral fat. Additionally, positive effects on lipid profile, inflammatory markers, and cardiovascular risk factors have been reported.

In individuals with T2DM, intermittent fasting has been associated with reductions in HbA1c levels, decreased medication requirements, and improvements in metabolic parameters. However, these effects may vary depending on individual metabolic characteristics, the fasting protocol applied, and the duration of the intervention.

In conclusion, intermittent fasting may be considered a promising lifestyle intervention in the management of type 2 diabetes. Nevertheless, further large-scale randomized controlled studies are required to clarify its long-term efficacy and safety. Intermittent fasting should be implemented under medical supervision and tailored to individual needs.

Keywords: Tip 2 diyabet mellitus, aralıklı oruç, insülin direnci, glisemik kontrol, obezite

EXAMINATION OF THE ACCURACY AND RELIABILITY OF NUTRITIONAL RECOMMENDATIONS PRODUCED BY ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE-BASED LANGUAGE MODELS FROM A PUBLIC HEALTH PERSPECTIVE

Hira Nur Ulupınar — Thu, 07 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Artificial intelligence–based large language models (LLMs) are increasingly utilized as accessible sources of nutrition-related information by the general population. This study aims to evaluate the accuracy, reliability, and scientific alignment of nutrition advice generated by widely used LLMs from a public health perspective. Nutrition recommendations produced by ChatGPT and Google Gemini were examined using standardized dietary scenarios representing different health profiles. The AI-generated outputs were subjected to qualitative content analysis and systematically compared with evidence-based recommendations outlined in guidelines issued by the World Health Organization (WHO), the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), and national nutrition authorities.

The findings demonstrate that both LLMs consistently emphasize general healthy eating principles and convey information in a clear and user-friendly manner. However, the recommendations predominantly remain qualitative in nature and lack the quantitative specificity required for clinical or individualized nutrition counseling. Key deficiencies were identified in the calculation of individual energy requirements, specification of macronutrient distributions, and inclusion of measurable targets such as daily fiber intake, sodium limits, and sugar thresholds. While alignment with public health messages—such as increased fruit and vegetable consumption, moderation of processed foods, and balanced dietary patterns—was observed, this concordance remained superficial and did not reach the level of clinical applicability defined in established nutritional guidelines.

In conclusion, LLM-based nutrition advice may function as a supplementary tool for disseminating general public health information and promoting dietary awareness. Nevertheless, due to limitations in personalization, quantitative accuracy, and clinical specificity, these systems cannot be considered substitutes for evidence-based, individualized nutrition counseling delivered by qualified health professionals. Clear ethical and methodological boundaries are required to guide the responsible integration of artificial intelligence into nutrition and public health practice.

Keywords: Artificial intelligence, large language models, nutrition counseling, public health, digital health

FROM THE PLAYGROUND TO THE SCREEN: THE INTERSECTION OF CHILDHOOD AND TECHNOLOGY

Zainab Husna Amany — Thu, 07 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

This study examines the transition from traditional childhood to the digital age. Today, children have shifted from physical play spaces to screen-based activities, leading to significant changes in their developmental processes. While traditional children's games have long been based on physical movement, social interaction, and imagination, the widespread use of digital technologies has made the childhood experience increasingly screen-centered. This study aims to explore various dimensions of the relationship between childhood and technology through a literature review method. In this context, recent national and international studies on child development, digital games, screen time, and parenting styles have been analyzed. The literature emphasizes that excessive exposure to digital screens at an early age may negatively affect attention, sleep, and physical activity. However, it is also stated that, with age-appropriate content and time limitations, digital tools can support cognitive development. The findings suggest that technology should not be completely excluded from childhood, but rather used with age-appropriate guidance and balance. In this regard, the conscious involvement of families, educators, and policymakers is of great importance.

Keywords: Childhood, Technology, Digital games, Screen time, Child development

EXAMINING THE PSYCHOLOGICAL WELL-BEING LEVELS OF PRESCHOOL CHILDREN PARTICIPATING IN PLAY-BASED EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITIES

Danya Casim — Thu, 07 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

This study aims to examine the psychological well-being levels of preschool children participating in play-based educational activities. Recognizing the critical role of early childhood education in supporting emotional and social development, the research investigates how regular engagement in play-based learning influences children's mental health and overall psychological wellness. A quantitative research design was employed, with data collected from 60 preschool children aged between 4 and 6 years. Socio-demographic information such as gender, age, and parents’ education levels were recorded. Psychological well-being was measured using a standardized scale, and the data were analyzed using independent samples t-tests and one-way ANOVA to identify significant differences based on demographic variables. Findings revealed that girls demonstrated significantly higher psychological well-being scores compared to boys. Additionally, psychological well-being improved with increasing age. Children whose parents had higher education levels showed notably better psychological health. Participation frequency in play-based activities varied, with most children engaging 3-6 days per week, which correlated positively with psychological well-being. In conclusion, play-based educational activities positively affect the psychological well-being of preschool children, with gender, age, and parental education serving as important influencing factors. These results underscore the need for tailored early childhood programs that consider these demographic variables to optimize children's mental health outcomes.

Keywords: Play-Based Learning, Psychological Well-Being, Preschool Children, Early Childhood Education

THE EFFECT OF AUDITORY TRAINING ON HEARING AID SATISFACTION, SPEECH PERCEPTION, SPATIAL PERCEPTION, AND HEARING QUALITY IN ELDERLY INDIVIDUALS USING HEARING AIDS

Tuğba Ural — Thu, 07 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Hearing loss associated with aging represents a major health concern, as it can impair communication and negatively influence overall quality of life in older individuals. The present study sought to investigate the impact of a structured auditory training program on hearing aid–related outcomes, including speech understanding, spatial hearing abilities, and perceived sound quality in elderly hearing aid users.

A quasi-experimental approach was employed, incorporating both intervention and control groups with assessments conducted before and after the training period. The study sample consisted of 30 participants aged 60 years and older (intervention group: n=15; control group: n=15). Data collection was carried out using the Turkish adaptation of the International Outcome Inventory for Hearing Aids (IOI-HA-TR) and the Speech, Spatial and Qualities of Hearing Scale (SSQ). Participants in the intervention group underwent auditory training sessions of 40 minutes once per week over a three-month period, whereas the control group did not receive any form of intervention.

Post-intervention findings demonstrated that the intervention group experienced statistically significant gains in hearing aid satisfaction, speech perception, spatial perception, and auditory quality (p<0.05). In contrast, the control group showed no meaningful changes across most evaluated measures. Comparative analyses between groups further indicated that hearing aid satisfaction, speech perception, and auditory quality scores were significantly greater in the intervention group after the training period (p<0.05). However, no statistically significant differences were observed between groups in terms of spatial perception and total SSQ scores (p>0.05).

Overall, these findings suggest that auditory training may contribute positively to the enhancement of communication-related Auditory Training auditory functions and improve hearing aid–related outcomes in older adults.

Keywords: Older Adults, Auditory Training, Hearing Aid Satisfaction, Speech Perception, Hearing Quality