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Abstract Background Turkey hosts the highest number of refugees in the World including 65% of Syrian refugees who reside in Turkey. Mothers and children were the most negatively affected among the Syrian refugees who had to migrate from their countries as a result of the civil war in Syria. One of the most important issues in terms of child health is breastfeeding. Breastfeeding in migrants should be promoted worldwide to mitigate infant mortality and diseases. The aim of this study is to examine the association between breastfeeding status in Syrian refugee children under two years and socio-demographic characteristics of Syrian refugee mothers with further analysis of Turkey Demographic and Health Survey-Syrian Migrant-2018 (TDHS-SM-2018) data. Methods The data source is the TDHS-SM-2018. Data for the last-born children with a gestational duration greater than 32 weeks from the mothers’ singleton pregnancy, aged less than two years old and living with the mother were included (unweighted n = 744). The dependent variable was the breastfeeding status (breastfeeding in the last 24 h during the study period) in children under two years. Complex sample logistic regression evaluated the associations. Results The percentage of breastfeeding in children under the age of two years was found to be 62.4%, and the total median breastfeeding duration was 14.6 months. Univariate analysis showed that the earlier mothers immigrated to Turkey, the higher the current breastfeeding rate. Breastfeeding rates were found to be higher among people living in the South and East regions (65.2% and 65.1% respectively). Multivariable binary complex sample logistic regression revealed that breastfeeding status at the study period was associated with long preceding birth interval; delivery in a public hospital; absence of prelacteal feeding; being non-pregnant; and the region and age of the child. No relationship for current breastfeeding was found with maternal activities, maternal life satisfaction, financial satisfaction, and educational status. Conclusion Current breastfeeding in our sample was more likely among mothers with a longer birth interval who avoided prelacteal feeding. The Baby-Friendly approach and family planning services should be integrated into refugee health centers.

Abstract Objective The aim of this study is to investigate the relations of picky eating habit of children with their nutrition, physical activity, screen time and sleep habits in the context of parental picky eating habit. Methods In a cross-sectional study a questionnare was applied to the parents of children aged 6–13 years in two provincies. The cases were analyzed as the overall group and the two subgroups in which both parents are not picky eater, and in which at least one parent was picky eater. Child's risk of being picky eater was analyzed by logistic regression. Results A total of 913 children and parent pairs were included in the study. The risk of picky eating of the child increases 2.85 (AOR: 1.67–4.88) times when only the mother was picky eater, 5.99 (AOR: 3.32–7.52) times when only the father was picky eater, and 22.79 (AOR: 6.95–74.71) times when both of the parents were picky eaters. In the subgroup in which at least one parent was picky eater, it was determined that children with physical activity duration of ≥ 1 h/day and sleep time of ≥ 9 h /day were less likely to be picky eater and the children with screen time of ≥ 2 h/day were more likely to be picky eaters. Conclusion Picky eating habit in childhood is related to the picky eating habit of the parents. In the context of this relationship, the picky eating habit of children is related to sleep, physical activity, screen time and other eating habits.

Abstract Background Working mothers are in a situation where they have to manage both their job and maternal roles simultaneously. We aim to show the relationship between mothers' breastfeeding behavior and working status, as well as the effect of their working conditions on the continuation of breastfeeding. Methods This study examined 3557 (weighted 3490) child-mother pairs from Turkey's Demographic Health Survey data in 2008, 2013, and 2018 with a complex sample multiple logistic regression analysis to explore the relationship between breastfeeding and maternal employment. Results In our study, 35.5% of the mothers had never worked, 18.6% were still working, and 45.9% had worked in the past but were not currently working. When breastfeeding percentages were examined based on maternal working status, mothers who worked in 2008 had significantly lower breastfeeding percentages than those who had never worked or had worked previously but not currently. In both 2013 and 2018, after legal regulations, maternal employment didn't affect breastfeeding. After adjusting for confounding factors, maternal employment in the industry sector had lower breastfeeding percentages [AOR:0.06 (95% CI: 0.01–0.48)] than those working in agriculture. Conclusion It seems that adhering to legal regulations such as paid maternity leave and lactation leave can promote breastfeeding. It is necessary to raise awareness of mothers working in the industry about the continuation of breastfeeding and to monitor their legal rights.

Abstract Background Controversy surrounds the impact of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) on fetal development. This study aimed to investigate levels of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) in umbilical cord blood from Şanlıurfa mothers in Turkey, exploring associations with gestational age and birth weight. Methods Participants included voluntary mothers pregnant with a single fetus, providing details on maternal factors. Cord blood samples were collected immediately after delivery. Samples were extracted with a modified QuEChERS method, and OCPs (17 pesticides) and PCBs (11 congeners) compound levels were analyzed with a gas chromatograph/mass spectrometry. Detection frequencies and levels of POPs by single pollutant type and pollutant groups were calculated and compared according to gestational duration and birth weight. We used partial least squares discriminant analysis to identify the key chemicals and distinguish their respective statuses. Results Among 120 infants, 35 were preterm but appropriate for gestational age, 35 were term but small for gestational age (SGA), and 50 were term and appropriate for gestational age (AGA). Beta HCH, Oxy-Chlordan, and PCB 28, were not detected in cord blood samples. Half of the samples contained at least 4 types of OCPs, with a median OCP level of 38.44 ng/g. Among the DDT, 2,4’-DDE was found at the highest concentration in cord plasma samples. The PCB congeners with a frequency exceeding 50% were ranked in the following order: 151, 149, 138, 146. The median level of ∑PCBs was 5.93 ng/g. Male infants born at term with SGA status exhibited lower levels of ∑DDTs, ∑OCPs compared to male infants born preterm or at term with AGA status. Di-ortho-substituted PCBs and hexachlorinated PCBs were higher in male infants born at term with SGA status than male infants born preterm with AGA status. Conclusion Overall, exposure to DDT and PCBs demonstrates varying effects depending on gestational duration and birth weight, with exposure levels also differing by gender. This underscores the necessity for studies across diverse populations that investigate the combined effects of multiple pollutant exposures on gestational age, birth weight, and gender simultaneously.

Preserving the nutritional value of honey without compromising its properties until consumption is crucial. However, different types of honey may respond differently to packaging and storage conditions. This study aimed to assess the effects of different packaging materials (tin cans, light-colored glass jars, and dark-colored glass jars) and storage durations (initial, 6 months, and 12 months) on the physicochemical and antioxidant properties of pine, flower, and thyme honey. Nine samples were collected to conduct study on the three different types of honey. Honey samples were packaged in these materials and analyzed at the start, after 6 months, and after 12 months. The results showed that the moisture, proline content, sugar, total oxidant status (TOS), and oxidative stress index (OSI) levels were unaffected by honey type. Over time, there was a decrease in moisture, pH, proline content, diastase number, sugar, total phenolic content (TPC), total antioxidant status (TAS), and catalase activity, alongside an increase in the electrical conductivity, hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF), free acidity, TOS, and OSI levels. The packaging type did not influence the moisture, pH, electrical conductivity, proline content, diastase number, sugar, HMF, TPC, TAS, TOS, OSI, or catalase activity levels. The findings suggest that storing pine, flower, and thyme honey in light- or dark-colored glass jars or tin cans for 12 months does not significantly impact these properties. However, given the reduction in TPC and TAS across all honey types and packaging methods after 12 months, further studies are needed to explore ways to maintain honey quality in this regard.

Abstract Nutrition plays a crucial role for the bio-psycho-social growth and development of children. Mother-child pairs’ eating-feeding problems can be hypothesized to relate to the child’s nutritional status and living area. Our focus was to assess maternal attitudes and children’s eating habits in thin and normal-weight children across two cities characterized by distinct socioeconomic and demographic profiles: Ankara and Şanlıurfa. This double case-control study included the mothers whose children are aged between 2 and 7 years old in both cities. Figure Rating Scale, Child Feeding Questionnaire and Behavioral Pediatrics Feeding Assessment Scale were filled by mothers of children. The mothers of thin children were concerned more about the weight of their children, felt more responsible for feeding their children, and use of pressured them to eat more frequently compared to normal-weight children’s mothers in both cities. In Ankara, the duration of breastfeeding is longer, using formula is rarer and starting complementary food on time is more common, mother had higher scores on perceived responsibility, perceived child weight, and concern about child weight subscales; lower score on the restriction subscale compared to Şanlıurfa. Mothers of both thin and normal weight children in Şanlıurfa rated their children as weaker compared to those in Ankara. In conclusion, child eating behaviors and parental feeding practices were associated with the weight of children depending on demographic and sociocultural differences. Implementing customized, location-specific preventive educational initiatives on child feeding will not only foster behavioral changes but also yield valuable insights for shaping future interventions.

Abstract Background Environmental risk awareness is a key concept to raise awareness and plan future programs for environmental protection. A cross-sectional household survey aimed to find out the presence of environmental hazards next to living area and the mother’s knowledge levels about environmental risk factors with their related factors according to district development ranking, and Western and Central Anatolian regions with sampling from rural and urban residence. Method The study was designed with household sampling weighted according to population density in 2008. Data on the demography and health status, dwelling characteristics of the residents are also collected in 2009. In addition, open-ended questions "What does environmental risk/hazard mean?" and "Which environmental risks/hazards are present in your environment?" were asked. The data collected from the survey were analyzed using multivariate binary logistic regression. Results The sample included 3489 mothers living either in urban or rural areas. Of the mothers, 19.3% did not know what an environmental risk is and 75.7% stated that there was at least one environmental pollutant in their environment. The most commonly perceived risk factor was air pollution (23.0%), which was reported to be present in their living areas by 12.4%. Regions, residence, settlement features of the house, and health status of family members were associated with the perception of environmental risk at a statistically significant level. Conclusion The neighborhood conditions and health status of family associated with the mother’s awareness for environmental risk factors. Communication and cooperation between local governments, health institutions, non-governmental organizations and other stakeholders should be strengthened to increase risk awareness.

Abstract Background The influx of Syrian refugees into Turkey has highlighted the importance of supporting breastfeeding practices among this vulnerable population. We aimed to evaluate the breastfeeding and infant feeding attitudes of Syrian mothers based on the observations of Syrian healthcare workers (HCWs). Methods An online form including 31 questions was prepared in Turkish, Arabic, and English languages and distributed to HCWs, working in refugee health centers via e-mail, WhatsApp, or text message with the help of Ministry of Health in Turkey between January 2020 and March 2020. The questions were about HCWs’ characteristics (occupation, region of employment, duration of employment, participation in breastfeeding counseling course) and about HCWs’ observations of Syrian mothers’ breastfeeding and infant feeding practices. Results A total of 876 HCWs were included in the study; about 37.3% were physicians. Only 40.0% of HCWs reported that babies were predominantly fed with breast milk in the first three days after birth, 45.2% of HCWs indicated that mothers typically used sugary water as a prelacteal food, and 30.5% believed that breastfeeding was discontinued before 12 months. The main barriers to breastfeeding identified by HCWs included the lack of education, mental and physical health issues in the mother, food insecurity, low income, inadequate housing, lack of family planning, sociocultural environment, and limited access to quality health services. For complementary feeding, 28.0% of HCWs stated early introduction and 7.4% remarked delayed. HCWs believed grains, fruits and vegetables, and dairy products as top three foods for starting complementary food (59.5%, 47.8%, and 30.3% respectively). Healthcare challenges of Syrian pregnant and lactating mothers were reported to be associated primarily with “food, finance, and housing difficulties”, low maternal education, and cultural and environmental issues. HCWs recommended various solutions, such as supporting breastfeeding, offering nutrition and health support, promoting family planning, improving healthcare systems through legislation, and addressing cultural barriers. Conclusions To address breastfeeding issues among Syrian mothers, it is crucial to provide breastfeeding training to both HCWs and mothers. Expanding interventions that support breastfeeding-friendly practices, including community support and food aid for breastfeeding mothers, should also be considered to address the social determinants of breastfeeding.

Abstract Background We evaluated (a) opinion of Syrian and Turkish healthcare workers (HCWs), and perceptions and attitudes of Syrian refugee mothers, pregnant women, fathers and grandmothers on age-appropriate breastfeeding, (b) the effect of cultural characteristics, migration and pandemics on Syrian’s infant nutrition, and (c) the suggestions of HCWs and Syrian family members to improve breastfeeding practices in the Syrian refugee society in a qualitative study. Methods The qualitative study consisting of structured focus group discussions (FGDs) was held in four provinces in Turkey where Syrian refugees live intensely in September and October 2020. Seven different types of online FGDs were held with Turkish HCWs working in maternity hospitals, Syrian HCWs working in Refugee Health Centers (RHCs), Syrian pregnant women, mothers, fathers, and grandmothers. In total, we carried out 46 FGDs with 335 individuals. Thematic analysis of the transcripts in a deductive-inductive fashion was carried out with MAXQDA 11. Results Most Syrian HCWs did not get any training on breastfeeding counseling. The short duration of breastfeeding in Syrian refugees was seen to be related to the cultural characteristics, and migration. Some cultural characteristics can be summarized as “believing that breastfeeding harms mother’s health”, “adolescent marriages”, “wanting to have as many children as possible”, “giving anise to infants and not breastfeeding at night”, “prelacteal feeding”, “believing that milk is not enough”, “over controlling mother–child interaction by grandmothers, which limits the interaction”, “short pregnancy intervals”, and “not using modern family planning techniques”. We found out that migration increased the tendency for adolescent pregnancies, deepened the poverty, and decreased family social support. We did not observe any change in breastfeeding practices during pandemics. Conclusions Breastfeeding counseling programs should be designed in consideration of cultural characteristics of Syrian HCWs and family members. Continuing health education programs for family members with socially appropriate interventions to prevent adolescent marriages are important.

Abstract Background Asthma is a common respiratory disorder; some data were present on the correlation between increased levels of trace elements and the risk of asthma development. It was aimed to evaluate the levels of 13 selected blood and tooth elements (magnesium, phosphorus, calcium, chromium, manganese, iron, copper, zinc, strontium, molybdenum, cadmium, lead, mercury) in a well-controlled asthma group and the control group. Methods During the study period, 17 asthma patients and 26 age and gender-matched healthy children donated shed deciduous teeth having neither decay nor filling and enrolled for the study. The element levels in blood and teeth matrixes were analyzed with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Differences in blood and tooth elements in groups were evaluated with generalized linear models after adjusting confounding factors. Results After adjusting the child’s “z scores of body mass index for age”, history of iron deficiency anemia, and status of parental smoking, the generalized linear model revealed significantly lower tooth magnesium levels, lower blood zinc levels, and lower blood zinc/copper ratio in the asthma group than the control group (p = 0.042, p = 0.034, p = 0.002, respectively). Other studied elements for tooth and blood matrixes were similar in groups. Conclusion Our study revealed some differences in tooth and blood element levels in the asthma group. Further studies on zinc and magnesium levels of severe asthma cases are necessary for the interpretation of the results.

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of grit supplementation to the diets containing maize and barley as cereal grains on performance and slaughter characteristics in broilers. In the experiment, a total of 160 Ross 308 male broiler chicks were allocated to 2 experimental groups with 4 replicate pens containing 20 birds per each for 5 weeks of experimental period. Granite grit was added at the level of 0 and 0.8% to the basal diets containing barley and maize as cereal grains for control and treatment groups, respectively. Granite grit supplementation had no significant effect on final body weight and body weight gain. Feed intake during the experiment was significantly reduced by grit supplementation (P

This research was carried out the determine the effects of post salting and çemenleme on the physochemical, microbiological and organoleptic properties of the pastrami subjected to hot smoking during different phases of traditional product ion. The meat to make pastrami was divided in to 4 groups,The part of first group meats were produced domestical construct on method. The 2, 3 and 4 groups were subjected to the traditional, after çemenleme. post salting and after sal-ling and çemenleme combined with hot smoking (54±34 C for 3 hrs), respectively. No differences were observed for the humidity. dry matter, salt, pH and aw values ol the meat samples among the groups belore the production prior to salting. Significant differences were observed after salting regarding the parameters tested except pH among the groups. There were significant differences for all parameters in the post çemenleme groups. Significant differences were observed regarding the numbers ol yeast and mold before salting, coliforms. Staphylococcus-micrococcus, and Lactobacillus after salting, and lotal mezophil aerob. Staphylococcus-micrococcus. Lactobacillus, and yeast and mold microorganisms after çemenleme. Group 4 (post salting and çemenleme combined with hot smoking) had reduced numbers of microorganisms compared to other groups. On the other hand organoleplic properties relieved no differences among the groups. It was concluded that the pastrami produced through post salting and çemenleme with hot smoking could be regarded superior as far as reduced microorganism count compared to other groups and further research is needed to prove the eflicacy ol the hot smoking.

Different levels ol sodium and potassium nil rates (control. 1 %, 2% and 3%) were applied to pastrami during the salting process. And possible effects of this practice on the chemical and microbiological quality of pastrami were investigated at the 1st, 7th. 15th, 30th and 60th days of the storage penod The salt levels, pH and aw values of pastrami samples were found between 4.26-5.21%, 5.57-6,16 and 0.882-0.914 at the 1st day between 7.18-8.43%. 5.84-6.25 and 0.742-0.779 at the 60th day respectively, Remerkable differences have been found between groups in the amount of hu-midty according to nitrate rations at the 30th day. According to the microbiological results, the number of total mesophlic aerobic. Staphylococcus-Micrococcus, Lactobacillus microorganisms, mould and yeast of pastrami samples did not change sıgnıtıcantly during the storage period. On the other hand coliform group microorganisms were not cultivated in all phases. In conclusion, it was determined lhat treatments with different nitrate salts and levels had not an effect on the chemical and microbiological properties of pastrami samples.

This study was carried out to determine the effect of bromelain treatment on chemical, microbiological and sensorial quality of pastrami. For this this purpose, different bromelain solutions (0,0.25,0.50 and 1.0 %) were used The significant differences were determined at the protein, pH and aw values after salting process, and at the SSP/Protein ratio and aw value before cemen treatment, and at the humidity of samples after cemen treatment. The only significant differences among the groups were the count of Staphylococcus-Micrococcus and Lactobacillus microorganisms which were determinated the salting process. In sensorial quality, the highest quality points were given the samples that were not applied bromelain solution. In conclution, it was determinated that bromelain treatment did not remarcable effect on chemical, microbiological and sensorial quality of pastrami.

This study was carried out to determine the effect of various heating and smoking processes on the quality of Turkish fermented sausage. Experimentally 4 sausage samples were manifactured. After 7 days of ripening periods heating and smoking processes were done except group I. Sample were analyzed for chemical microbiological and sensorial characteristics at different stages of the ripening. As a result, it is concluded that heating and smoking processes improved the quality of sausage.

This work was carried out to investigate the hygienic quality of drinking water in Konya. For this reason, totally 100 drinking water samples were analyzed for the microbial, chemical and physical qualities. Of 100 samples, 51 percent microhiologically and 36 percent chemicahy were not agreeable with the values of Turkish Food Regulation.

Fermentation with lactic acid bacteria is one of the oldest methods of food processing and food preservation used by mankind. Fermented dairy products have essentially the same caloric value as the milk from which they are made, but they are more nutritious due to predigestion by cultures of their components as proteins, carbohydrates and fats. Lactobacillic fermented product such as yogurt could be of benefit to persons with lactose intolerance. Several fermented dairy products contain higher levels of B-vitamins than milk and their counterparts prepared by direct acidification. In addition, during fermentation the lactobacilli can also produce natural antibiotics which are active against a wide variety of Gram- positive and Gram- negative organisms including pathogens, natural anticholesteremic compounds and natural anticarcinogenic compounds.

This study was carried out to investigate the nutritional values of culture-mushrooms and to obtain some basic information to increase their consumption. Agaricus bisporus, Agaricus campestris and Agaricus bitorquis were analyzed for chemical composition. Based on the chemical analysis, the average values of dry matter, crude protein, fat and available carbohydrate were 6.31-8.87 %, 2.54-3.70 %, 0. 18-0.39 % and 0.38-1.87 %, respectively. Energy values of culture-mushrooms according to Atwa-ter system were found to be 9.59-17.85 kcal/100 g. The average values of calcium, phosphorus, copper and zinc were 1.64-1.86, 113.78-156.38, 0.52-1.01 and 0.54-1.56 mg/100 g, respectively. As a result, culture-mushrooms are poor in the values of fat, available carbohydrate and available energy but rich in protein and mineral content. Therefore it is concluded that culture-mushrooms are valuable foods.

The study was carried out to determine the effect of sforage time on histamine content in fish. Mackerel, bonito and anchovy fish were usedin this study. Fish samples were stored at 4°C during 3 days. The concentrations of histamine in fish were determined by spectrofluorometer during 3 days of storage. The mean histamine levels for mackerel, bonito and anchovy fish after 3 days of sforage period were found as 6.28, 3. 70 and 3.25 ,µg/g, respectively. Based on this study, it is concluded that the histamine levels in mackerel, bonito and anchovy fish during sforage at 4°C even after 3 days were below toxic leve!.

In this research, chemical and microbiological qua/ities of 15 butter samples taken from Konya market were determined. lt was found that microbiological qualities of butter samples were lo w and chemically most of the samples differed from the values of Food Aegulation and Standards.