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Smoking is one of the most important public health problems. There is limited data about the smoking status of working adolescents. In this study we aimed to compare the smoking status of working adolescents with adolescents enrolled in high school in Turkey. Workers were recruited from a vocational training center, and control subjects were from a local high school. Questionnaires about socioeconomic status and smoking were applied. Eight hundred and two participants (436 workers) were included in the study. The mean age of the participants was 16.8 years. Smoking frequencies were 40% and 21% for the workers- group and the control group, respectively (P < 0.001). Adolescent workers were more frequently exposed to second-hand smoke at home. Working [odds ratio (OR): 2.49, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.81-3.43], age over 17 (OR: 1.77, 95% CI: 1.28-2.44), and male sex (OR: 1.57, 95% CI: 1.00-2.44) were found to be significantly effective on smoking in the logistic regression analysis. Working adolescents had significantly higher smoking rates and exposed to second-hand smoke at home than high school students. Further studies are needed to explore the reasons of higher smoking rates in working adolescents than in high school students.

Background. In our previous published study conducted in 2006 before the national tobacco control program (NTCP), we found that working adolescents (WA) more frequently consumed cigarettes than high school students (HSS). The objective of the present study was to compare the smoking status of WA and HSS before and after the NTCP. Methods. A questionnaire including questions about the participant's socio-economic level and smoking status was administered. Results. There were 668 subjects in the 2006 study and 869 subjects in the 2015 study. When we compared the 2015 results with the 2006 study, while there was a significant decline in the ever smokers (p

Objective: Tobacco industry has been using the point of sales (POS) as a promotion outlet for their products. Previously, in Istanbul, the complience with the advertising ban has been found to be low. This study aims to investigate the effect of plaing packaging implementation on the compliance of the POS in 2020. Method: This observational study was carried out at the six trade-dense districts of Istanbul by using the "Framework Convention Alliance Shadow Reporting" Methodology in 2020. All the POS in 1 km diameter were visited. A form is filled about the display format and photos were taken. Results: Of the 177 POS visited ; at 100 % the display was at the eye-level of children, at 97 % the shelves contained tobacco advertising, at 92% the tobacco products were visible from outside the shop, at 85 % the stacking of the packs were against the legislation, at 80 % tax stamps were covering the pictorial warnings, at 73 % the display shelves were donations of the tobacco companies, at 52 % the pictorial warning were invisible due to perpendicular placement, at 31 % the shop sign indicated a tobacco brand. The same violation strategy was recorded in 93% of the sale points throughout various districts. A stacking design with various pack sizes was noted in all shops. Measurements and Main Results: A consistent pattern of stacking that made the pictorial warning invisible was noted in the majority of the POS in various districts of the city, indicating orchestrated industry interference. The findings of this study implies that plain packaging renders pictorial warnings prominent. The displays at POS must be made visible to the eye of the consumers by preventing industry interference.

INTRODUCTION Plain packaging is one of the critical strategies in eliminating the promotion of tobacco products. Evidence indicates that plain packaging decreases the attractiveness of tobacco products and enhances the effectiveness of health warnings. This study aimed to explore the perceptions of undergraduate medical students of plain packaging and new pictorial warnings before they came into use in Turkey. METHODS This qualitative study was carried out among undergraduate students in a Medical School in Istanbul in 2019. Participants were recruited through purposive sampling, and data were collected through focus group discussions. The participants were asked to discuss their perceptions regarding one original branded pack and ten plain package models. All discussions were audiotaped and thematic content analysis was conducted. RESULTS A total of 72 students participated in the study. None of the students had seen plain packaging before. Most of the students perceived plain packaging as more favorable compared to the branded packs. The terms used to describe plain package were: ‘appealing/desirable’, ‘attractive’, ‘beautiful’, ‘cool/eye-catching’, ‘charming’, ‘elegant’, and ‘special’. Some students indicated that they would have preferred plain packs over the branded ones if both types of products had been in the market and provided they were of the same brand. Pictorials had different impacts based on their content. At the same time, outer body deformities were perceived as ‘real’ and provoked unfavorable feelings; inner organ images were defined as ‘imaginary’ and had little to no impact. CONCLUSIONS Plain packaging was perceived as a more attractive alternative to the conventional branded packs among most participants. We must be aware of the unforeseen effects of plain packaging among different subgroups in the new generations. We suggest using outer body deformities in the pictorials more frequently due to their higher impact.

This Monograph provides a comprehensive overview of tobacco cessation, from health policy to patient care. Broad in scope, this state-of-the art collection is broken down into four sections: the changing landscape of the tobacco epidemic and challenges to curb it; treatment of tobacco dependence (pharmacotherapy, behavioural support); improving the care of patients with particular conditions who smoke (asthma, COPD, TB, cardiovascular diseases, etc.); and prevention. It also deals with some of the more controversial topics such as e-cigarettes and web applications. Readers will gain an understanding of how to implement smoking cessation into their everyday practice, but will also expand their knowledge about the policy and systems changes needed for population-wide smoking cessation.

Objective: epidemiological studies have shown that mortality owing to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) could be under-reported under different conditions. Excess mortality analysis is suggested as a useful tool in estimating the impact of the disease. Material and methods: mortality data between January 01 and May 18, 2020, were analyzed to evaluate the excess mortality owing to COVID-19 in Istanbul, the city most affected by the pandemic in Turkey. The average weekly percentage changes in the number of deaths in 4 previous years were compared with those in the year 2020 using excess mortality analysis. Results: the number of deaths in Istanbul was significantly higher in 2020 (p=0.001), with a 10% weekly increase between the 10th and 15th weeks, which started to decrease until the 20th week. The excess mortality found during the study period was 4,084 deaths, higher than the officially reported COVID-19 mortality. Conclusion: our findings demonstrated that mortality owing to COVID-19 could be higher than the official figures reported by health authorities., NA

Objective: The objective of this study to explore the perceptions of undergraduate medical students regarding plain packaging and new pictorial warnings before they came to in use in Turkey. Method: A qualitative study which was carried out among undergraduate students at Marmara University School of Medicine. Researchers designed one standard and 10 plain packages with different pictorial warnings. The group members were asked to discuss their perceptions and compare these packages regarding their possible impact on smoking behavior. Method: A total of 59 students participated in the study. Only a few of the students have heard the term ‘plain packaging’ before and none had seen one.Plain packages were mostly found as more ‘attractive’ compared to the standard cigarette packs. Some of the students indicated that plain packages had a ‘minimalist design’ which made them look as more ‘elegant’ and appealing compared to the standard cigarette packs. The students perceived plain packages as mostly positive. The terms used for plain packages were as follows: beautiful, attractive, elegant, cool/eye catching, appealing/desirable, elite, classy/high class, good quality, reassuring and minimalist. So some students indicated that they would prefer a plain package over a standard pack. Conclusion: Plain packaging can be perceived as a more attractive alternative of a standard pack among some medical students. We should keep in mind that plain packaging might have unforeseen and changing effects on young adults in different cultures or communities.Pictorials on the plain package are more visible and noticeable compared to the standard packs.

Objective: Trans-fatty acids (TFAs) pose several risks to human health. World Health Organization recommends the elimination of trans-fat consumption through limiting their use as less than 2g/100g fat. In line with this recommendation, Turkey recently passed a new regulation securing the content of TFAs as less than 2g/100g fat in industrially produced foods. The objective of this study was to determine the proportion of high TFA (>2 g/100g fat) in pastries among socioeconomically disadvantaged communities of Istanbul before the regulation was put into force. Patients and Methods: Eight socioeconomically disadvantaged districts were chosen from Istanbul and from each district three neighborhoods with the lowest land values were identified. Pastry samples were collected from 72 shops. TFA content was analyzed at Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey (TUBITAK) Marmara Research Center by the ISO 12966-2:2011 method. p0.05). Conclusion: HOur findings indicate that Turkey could easily comply with the legislative limit of 2%. Still, the compliance should continuously be evaluated in diverse populations of the country.

Proof systems for the Relativized Propositional Calculus are defined andcompared.

Objective: Heated tobacco product, branded as IQOS is legally available in 22 countries of WHO-European region. Some countries have decided not to permit the sales of the product due to the potential health risks. However, internet platforms that are not under legislative surveillance, undermine the regulations. The aim of this study is to investigate the role of internet platforms in marketing, promotion and sales of heated tobacco products. Method: The study is carried out in Turkey; a WHO-Europe region country where the sales and marketing of heated tobacco products are not legal. IQOS brand name is searched in 17 different social media and internet platforms in Turkish language. The presence of activities related to promotion, advertising and marketing were recorded. Results: The number of marketing activities found at social media were as follows: 23 at Facebook, 14 at Twitter, 9 at Linkedin,744 visual IQOS device, 35 visual accessories and refill marketing at Pinterest, 8 accounts with 4755 followers, 705 post at Instagram. Of two internet dictionaries one had 321 the other 6 entries. Two forums with 373 members, 486 messages, and 60 topics,104 messages and 15491 clicks. Youtube channel contained 38 videos that was viewed 2.123.166 times and Vimeo channel 5 videos viewed 10.052 times. 16 IQOS online commerce websites, 28 blogs and 31 e-cigarettes websites providing IQOS were identified. 2 tripadvisor, 1 foursquare,1 moovit, 1 Google Play contents about IQOS were noted. Conclusion: Internet and social media have vast opportunities to reach the “potential” consumers. Unless the survey and inspection of such platforms can be achieved, legal restrictions of heated tobacco products will not be effective.

Objective: Sustainable reimbursement of nicotine dependence treatment increases the quit success, while free-of charge medicine distribution for a limited period increases quit attempts but not on quit success. The aim of this study is to investigate the social and health impacts of short term free-of-charge smoking cessation medicines (SCMs) distributions in Turkey. Method: Four campaigns of free-of-charge SCMs distrubution between 2011-2019 were analyzed with regard to the amount and type of medicines, percentage of population coverage, patient selection criteria, media reflections and relation with social incidences. Results: In Turkey SCMs were distributed in short-term campaings in 2011,2015,2017, 2019. During the first two campaigns Bupropion and Varenicline, during the third campaign Nicotine replacement therapy and Varenicline were distrubuted. The fourth campaign aims the distrubution of all three medicines. In every campaign 250 000 boxes were given away which will only cover 2-5 % of the population in need. The selection of patients by automated computurized system during the first two campaigns caused tension between patient and care givers. Independent studies of cessation clinics showed no increase in cessation rates. The first two campaigns were found to coincide with general parlimentary elections, third with constitutional referandum, fourth with local elections. Extensive media coverage referring to generic names of the medicines were noted. Conclusion: Free-of-charge short term distrubution of SCMs targets random smokers who do not have co morbidities and not motivated enough. Sustainable reimbursement framework will be more beneficial.

There is limited data, both smoking status of adolescents and the effect of the tobacco control policy on smoking consumption. In our previous published study conducted in 2006 before the national tobacco control program, we found that working adolescents (WA) more frequently consume cigarettes than high school students (HSS). The objective of the present study is to compare the smoking status of WA and HSS and to detect the effect of the national tobacco control policy. A questionnaire including questions about the participant’s socio-economic level and smoking status was administered. There were 554 subjects in the WA group and 244 subjects in HSS group in the 2015 study versus 353 subjects in the WA group and 315 subjects in the HSS group in the 2006 study. Those who had ever smoked (ever smokers) (p 0.05) in HSS group. There was no significant difference according to smoking exposure at home between the 2006 and 2015 in both groups. After institution of the National Tobacco Control program, we have not seen a reduction in the smoking rates of WA and HSS.

Aim WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) Article 5.3 requires Member States to take measures to protect the public health policies from the commercial interests of the tobacco industry. However there is no system that monitors tobacco industry vs. public and civil institutions to compliance FCTC. This study aims to monitor the compliance of the parties with FCTC by surveying the TI activities in Turkey in 2017. The keywords “cigarette”, “tobacco products” and “tobacco industry” were searched among the press news articles between January-December 2017. The content, the circulation, the number of people reached and the advertising equivalent were evaluated. Direct advertisement, promotion, sponsorship, activities related with public and civil institutions, news including TI incentives and industry violations against FCTC article 5.3 were recorded. Results In 2017, 84,696 news clips appeared about the searched keywords. 993 of these were related to tobacco industry with 37,359,229 circulation, accessed 119,064,772 people and had 9,938,074 $ advertising equivalence. 214 news directly related TI activity news had 8,225,723 circulation, accessing to 25,139,063 people and had $2,171,763 advertising equivalent. Break down of these news revealed 48 corporate presentations, 107 awarding events, 27 new product introduction, 32 intervention to tobacco control policies and violation of FCTC 5.3. Of the award news 87 news were about the recognition by public institutions, 7 by NGOs. Conclusions Monitoring printed media showed the lack of awareness about the FCTC 5.3 among public and non-governmental organizations; reflected in the examples of collaborating or rewarding the industry

FIRAT, ibrahim Hikmet/0000-0003-2594-4887 WOS: 000463467200004 PubMed: 30958982 OBJECTIVES: The most common chemical substances used as mass control agents are chloroacetophenone, chlorobenzylidene malononitrile, and oleoresin capsicum. These agents not only have local and rapid effects but also have systemic and long-term effects. The aim of the present study was to discuss the patterns of tear gas exposure and to investigate its effects on respiratory functions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A face-to-face survey was conducted in 86 individuals who had been exposed to tear gas indoor and outdoor during the public protests in June 2013. RESULTS: The most frequently reported respiratory complaints included cough, dyspnea, phlegm, and chest pain. Spirometry measurements including forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) were also performed. Indoor exposers have lower mean % predicted FVC and FEV1 values than outdoor exposers. All complaints and signs were more common in indoor exposure to tear gas than in outdoor exposure. CONCLUSION: Safety of the chemicals used as mass control agents during protests is doubtful as these agents are associated with several health risks.

In this article, early career members and experienced members of the Epidemiology and Environment Assembly of the European Respiratory Society highlight and summarise a selection of six sessions from the Society's annual congress, which in 2018 was held in Paris, France. The topics covered in these sessions span from cutting-edge molecular epidemiology of lung function to clinical, occupational and environmental epidemiology of respiratory disease, and from emergent tobacco products to tobacco control., Highlights of #ERSCongress 2018 from @ERStalk Assembly 6 http://ow.ly/O03v30nEHhJ

In Turkey consumption of tobacco and tobacco products in all indoor workplaces and public places are banned since July 2009 with the law. Water pipe and cigarettes which do not contain tobacco but used in a way to imitate the tobacco products are considered as tobacco products since May 2013. The objective of this study was to determine water pipe consumption in enclosed spaces of licensed hospitality establishments in seven districts in Istanbul. There were 428 hospitality establishments licensed to offer water pipe tobacco products in Istanbul. Seven districts which constitute 51.2% of all the licensed establishments were selected as the study area. Establishments were selected by simple random sampling method. Each establishment was visited for 10 minutes after 15.00 and violation was assessed by direct observation. Among the 141 enterprises, 128 (90.8%) were in operation and 68.8% were cafes. Only 57.0% of the enterprises had open spaces and 68.8% had extension with removable panels. Among all the establishments, 15.6% had less than 100 meters distance to the educational institutions and student dormitories. Of the establishments , 50.7% had no-smoking sign display. In only 4 establishments health warnings were present on water pipe bowls. Smoking and water pipe violation rates in closed areas were 73.4% and 78.1%, respectively. A significant number of water pipe offering establishments were not eligible according to the legislation. In these smoking and water pipe violation rates in closed areas were higher than other hospitality establishments. The methods of enforcement to the smoke-free law among water pipe offering establishments should be revised.

In Turkey smoking in all indoor workplaces and public places is banned since July 2009 with Law. The objective of this study was to determine the compliance to the smoke-free law in enclosed spaces of hospitality establishments in Istanbul in four consecutive years; 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2017. This was an observational study which was carried out in four districts of Istanbul. Sample size was calculated as 450 enterprises assuming a violation rate of 25%, a confidence level of 95%. Hospitality establishments were selected using a stratified cluster sampling method. Restaurants, cafes, traditional coffeehouses and bars in the sample were visited between 12:00-15:00. Each establishment was observed for 10 minutes and the use of tobacco products was noted. The study was first conducted in 2013, and then repeated in 2014, 2015 and 2017 using the same methodology. Descriptive statistics were expressed in numbers and percentages. Changes over the years were evaluated by the chi-square test for trend. A p value Non-compliance to the smoke-free law was 50.0%, 27.0%, 23.8% and 46.0% for 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2017, respectively (p> 0.05). Non-compliance in restaurants for 2013 and 2017 was 43.1% and 42.3% (p> 0.05). Violation rates in cafes in 2013 and 2017 were 57.0% and 48.0% respectively (p> 0.05). Of the violations detected in 2017, 56.6% were in retractable spaces. The violation rates determined in 2013 showed a tendency to decrease during the following two years, but in 2017 they increased to the initial level. There is an urgent need to revise the methods of enforcement to the smoke-free law.

Asthma control in childhood improves the quality of life and prevents future chronic respiratory conditions. Misconceptions about asthma medicines may result in non-compliance to treatment. In our research we aimed to investigate the impact of parental concerns and beliefs about medications on adherance to treatment. A face to face questionnaire survey was carried out with parents of asthmatic children. The survey contained questions on demographics, parental concern on medications and adherence to treatment, symptoms. Data were evaluated by SPSS. 20 programme with using Mann-Whitney U and Chi-Square tests. Parents of 106 children were interviewed. 37.7%[ n= 40] of the children were girls and 62.3 %[n =66] were boys. The average age of the children was 7.3 years. 78.3% mothers and 84%of fathers had university or higher degree education. Asthma control was found to be significantly lower in children whose parents occasionally forget using medication (p=0.019); and in those whose parents were concerned about using medication (p=0.03). The parents who used herbal medicines tended to forget using the medicines more often P=0,003. Children whose mothers had higher educational status had lower asthma control score (p=0.011). Compliance to treatment increased asthma control score. Children whose parents were concerned about treatment and who tended to forget using medicine had significantly lower asthma control scores. Parents who used herbal and alternative medicines tended to forget using medicines more often. In order to increase asthma control in children, parents must be well informed about the safety of the treatment and consequences of lack of asthma control.

Background There are no legal electronic cigarette products available in Turkey. According to the law whether including tobacco or not products that resemble tobacco products can not be advertised, promoted and sold through internet.However the use of electronic cigarettes are frequently observed. This study was carried out in order to find out the sales outlet and advertising media of the publicly available products. Methods Internet search of the key words "e-cigarettes and electronic cigarettes" in Turkish language was carried out . The survey of the forum and websites identified were further analyzed to detect the presence of advertising, promotion and trading elements. Results There were 94 websites and one social forum with 69,354 members on electronic cigarettes in Turkish language. Of the websites 95 % had advertising and facilitated online sales. Social media forum had a section for beginners which was accessible by non-member, containing information about the device, liquids and usage. Under the heading" starter kit for beginners" 143 brands were promoted. The suppliers were introduced under 74 headings and 44774 messages. 25 suppliers sold e-cigarettes through the forum by 221 various advertising. Online shopping section was consisted of 1990 topics and 179.100 messages. The forum also facilitated exchange of products between members, as well as international sales without customs. All the websites had Turkish domain names and used regular shipping companies for the delivery of the products. The social media forum had an international hosting. Advertising contained false claims about the safety of the products referring to reputable international organizations.Social media forum provided home-made recipes and the names and adresses of chemical supplier companies. Conclusions Social media was extensively used for the sale and advertising of electronic cigarettes that were not licenced in Turkey. Laws need to be enforced not only in real life but also at the virtual media.

Background In Turkey there are no legal sales of electronic cigarettes however illegal sales continue through internet and social media forum. The customers of these sites frequently post serious health complaints related to the use of product but do not quit. This study was carried out to understand how the e-cigarette social forum adminstrators respond to the health issues and what they recommend. Methods A survey was carried out at a social media forum with more than 60 thousand members.The titles and messages on health complaints and responses were analyzed. The messages with unauthoritized health recommendations to prevent the customers quitting were evaluated. Results Social forum had a section on the complaints of the products and related health problems with 166 headings and 9588 messages. The symptoms were reported 3 weeks to 3 months after the use of e-cigarettes. The most frequent symptoms were related to respiratory system, oral cavity and gums. 2830 of the messages were responded by an anonymous admin(s). Of these responses 48 % recommended the change of ingredients, % 24 claimed that health complaints were not related with e-cigarette use, % 13 attributed the symptoms to quitting classical cigarettes, 6 % reassured that the problem will soon disappear and recommended the continuation of e-cigarettes, 7 % proposed herbal medicine, 5 % actual pharmaceutical drugs, only 5 % to consult to a medical expert. Conclusions Members of this internet forum who used a product which is not legally available, they tended not to apply to regular health clinics in case of harmful effects. The forum administrators tried their best to sustain the addiction in spite of very serious complaints. Control over the websites and social forums must be part of the tobacco control enforcement strategies.

Background Turkey is praised by the global health sector as an exemplar for tobacco control being the first country in the world to pass all policies into law. Tobacco use that decreased in 2009- 2013, increased again after 2013 along with respiratory-related mortality rates. This study is carried out to detect the challenges to effective implementation, to analyze the weaknesses and develop recommendations for securing tobacco control sustainability. Methods Tobacco production and sales data, tobacco industry activities, legislative and litigation process, civil and public infrastructure for tobacco control was investigated between 2009-2016 by media monitorization, political mapping and website surveys. Results Domestic cigarette sales decreased by 15.8 billion sticks between 2009 -2013 and increased by 13% between 2014- 2016. Similar trends were recorded in other tobacco products. Water-pipe tobacco sales which increased by18 %, and 'roll-your-own' tobacco by 126 %. The factors which elevated this reversal include; tobacco industry interference and corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities, government incentives to the industry, the legal challenges instigated by the industry that have delayed the passage of new tobacco control laws in particular on labeling, weakened implementation and enforcement of tobacco policies in bureaucracy and at local level. Burnout experienced by the public and tobacco control stakeholders contributed to the trend. Conclusions The implementation of financial and structural strategies such as having a portion of tobacco excise taxation dedicated to a health promotion fund, a national focal point for tobacco control, ensuring civil society representation on national advisory committees, regular data collection for tobacco related mortality, morbidity and social costs, and having a national evaluation framework can assist in reducing tobacco use in Turkey. Key underpinning policies may include; enacting FCTC Article 5.3 as a cross-governmental policy, and establishing a policy to prevent tobacco industry CSR activities.

WOS: 000447618800009, PubMed: 30322437, OBJECTIVES: We aimed to obtain information about the characteristics of the ICUs in our country via a point prevalence study. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study was planned by the Respiratory Failure and Intensive Care Assembly of Turkish Thoracic Society. A questionnaire was prepared and invitations were sent from the association's communication channels to reach the whole country. Data were collected through all participating intensivists between the October 26, 2016 at 08:00 and October 27, 2016 at 08:00. RESULTS: Data were collected from the 67 centers. Overall, 76.1% of the ICUs were managed with a closed system. In total, 35.8% (n=24) of ICUs were levels of care (LOC) 2 and 64.2% (n=43) were LOC 3. The median total numbers of ICU beds, LOC 2, and LOC 3 beds were 12 (8-23), 14 (10-25), and 12 (8-20), respectively. The median number of ventilators was 12 (7-21) and that of ventilators with non-invasive ventilation mode was 11 (6-20). The median numbers of patients per physician during day and night were 3.9 (2.3-8) and 13 (9-23), respectively. The median number of patients per nurse was 2.5 (2-3.1); 88.1% of the nurses were certified by national certification corporation. CONCLUSION: In terms of the number of staff, there is a need for specialist physicians, especially during the night and nurses in our country. It was thought that the number of ICU-certified nurses was comparatively sufficient, yet the target was supposed to be 100% for this rate.

WOS: 000395279400004, PubMed: 28393717, Introduction: The aim of this study is to assess the effect of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) severity on leptin levels in children. Patients and Methods: Children with habitual snoring underwent overnight polysomnography. Fasting venous blood samples were obtained between 8 AM and 9 AM, following the night of the sleep study. Children with an apnea-hypopnea index of >= 5/h were included in the moderate-to-severe OSAS group while those with an apnea-hypopnea index of < 5/h formed the mild OSAS/primary snoring group. Results: 47 children (51% male and 49% female; mean age 7.8 +/- 2.6 years) were recruited. Twenty seven participants were diagnosed with moderate-to-severe OSAS, and twenty children who had AHI < 5 were included in the mild OSAS/primary snoring. The two groups did not differ regarding age, gender and body mass index z score (p> 0.05). Furthermore there were no differences in log serum leptin levels (p= 0.749). Log serum leptin levels correlated with the BMI z score in the whole study group (p= 0.001; r= 0.499) but they were not associated with apnea-hypopnea index, mean and lowest oxygen saturation during sleep. Conclusion: Serum leptin levels are affected by adiposity but not by OSAS severity among children with habitual snoring.