Sustainable Welfare Latest Issue

Background: Oxidative stress–induced DNA damage plays a central role in the development of chronic diseases, including cancer, cardiovascular disorders, and age-related pathologies, which collectively impose a substantial burden on public health systems and societal welfare. Preventive health strategies based on sustainable, low-cost, and naturally derived bioactive compounds are therefore of growing interest. Olive leaf extract (OLE), an agricultural by-product rich in polyphenols, represents a promising candidate in this context. Methods: This in vitro study evaluated the concentration-dependent effects of OLE on cell viability, intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, and hydrogen peroxide–induced oxidative DNA damage in a healthy human skin fibroblast cell line (CCD-1072Sk). Oxidative DNA damage was assessed by measuring 8-hydroxyguanosine levels. Results: OLE exhibited a dual, concentration-dependent biological effect. At low concentrations (50–300 μg/mL), OLE promoted cell proliferation and significantly reduced intracellular ROS levels, demonstrating antioxidant activity. In contrast, higher concentrations (>400 μg/mL) induced a pro-oxidant response and cytotoxicity, with an IC₅₀ value of 632 μg/mL. Importantly, pretreatment with non-toxic antioxidant concentrations of OLE markedly attenuated hydrogen peroxide–induced oxidative DNA damage, as evidenced by significantly reduced 8-hydroxyguanosine levels. Conclusion: These findings highlight the dual antioxidant and pro-oxidant nature of olive leaf extract and emphasize the importance of dose optimization in preventive health applications. By demonstrating the genoprotective potential of a sustainable agricultural by-product at safe concentrations, this study supports the integration of evidence-based natural compounds into preventive health strategies aimed at reducing chronic disease burden.

Failure to receive health services in a timely manner leads to delayed diagnosis and worsening health conditions, while also increasing the use of resources. In some cases, this situation may lead to the postponement of seeking healthcare services. University students may delay accessing professional healthcare due to academic workload, time constraints, economic factors, and the tendency to underestimate health problems. This study is descriptive and quantitative research aiming to examine healthcare demand postponement behaviors among university students and the factors affecting these behaviors. The data were collected from 606 students using a personal information form and the Healthcare Demand Postponement Behavior Scale. Descriptive statistics, independent samples t-test, and one-way analysis of variance were used in data analysis, while the relationships between variables were evaluated using Pearson correlation analysis. The reliability analysis of the scale revealed a Cronbach’s Alpha coefficient of 0.827, indicating an acceptable level of internal consistency. The results showed that the level of healthcare demand postponement among students was moderate, with a mean score of 2.67 ± 0.64. It was found that students tended to consult their social environment (3.17 ± 0.96) and seek solutions on the internet (2.79 ± 1.03), while postponing professional healthcare services. Additionally, statistically significant differences were found between healthcare demand postponement behavior and variables such as gender, marital status, age, income level, and frequency of healthcare utilization. In conclusion, healthcare demand postponement behavior among university students was found to be at a moderate level and to have a multidimensional structure influencedsocioeconomic factors.

This study aimed to determine mothers’ knowledge and attitudes toward newborn screening and the factors influencing them. The research has a descriptive and correlational design. The study was conducted on mothers with infants aged 0-12 months who came to Family Health Centers for routine follow-up. A total of 103 mothers meeting the sample selection criteria participated in the study. The "Sociodemographic Form" and the "Maternal Attitudes and Knowledge about Newborn Screening Survey" were used to collect data. Data were analyzed using number, percentage, mean, standard deviation, frequency, independent samples t-test, and one-way ANOVA test. The mean age of the mothers was determined to be 30.84±4.92 years. The mean total scale score was found to be 39.10±7.20. This result indicates that the mothers' knowledge level regarding newborn screenings is at a moderate level. A statistically significant difference was found between scale scores according to education level and informed status (p<0.05). However, no significant difference was found in terms of mother age and employment status (p>0.05). It was determined that mothers who received information from healthcare professionals and were aware of the diseases being screened had lower scores. The mothers' knowledge and attitude levels were found to be moderate, with education and information processes playing a particularly decisive role. Strengthening education and counseling services provided by healthcare professionals is essential to improve awareness and participation in newborn screening programs.

Women’s employment, as one of the fundamental components of sustainable development and social welfare, plays a decisive role in both economic growth and the achievement of social justice in contemporary economies. Due to many economic, social and cultural factors, the female labor force in Türkiye is not able to participate sufficiently in the business life and remains unemployed. Accordingly, female unemployment brings many problems such as the loss of the country's production potential, social exclusion and deterioration of the family structure. Furthermore, female unemployment deepens individual and household poverty, hence leading to increasing inequality in income distribution. Female unemployment is recognized as an important cause of regional economic disparities in Türkiye. This study aims to analyze the impact of female unemployment on regional income inequality in 26 NUTS 2 regions of Türkiye. In this context, data obtained for the period of 2015-2023 is analyzed using dynamic panel data methods. The results of three different GMM estimators show that female unemployment increases income inequality at the regional level. The findings underscores the critical importance of regional policies aimed at increasing female employment. In addition, per capita income and population variables are found to have significant effects on regional income distribution according to the results of all estimators.

Mental disorders are common and complex health problems that affect individuals' emotions, thoughts, and behaviors, leading to significant impairments in quality of life. Psychiatric disorders such as depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia negatively impact an individual's psychological, social, and occupational functioning. The increasing prevalence of mental disorders has increased the need for effective and sustainable psychosocial interventions. While pharmacological treatments play a significant role in the management of many mental disorders, psychotherapy is also a fundamental component of the treatment process. In recent years, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), a third-wave behavioral therapy, has been gaining increasing attention in the treatment of mental disorders. ACT is a psychotherapy approach that supports individuals in accepting their negative thoughts and feelings rather than trying to change them, and in leading a meaningful life in accordance with their personal values. The main goal of therapy is not to directly eliminate symptoms, but to strengthen the individual's functionality in life by increasing psychological resilience. ACT is structured around six core processes: acceptance, cognitive dissociation, present moment, contextual self, value contact, and value-oriented behavior.The literature reports that CBT (Correctional Therapy) increases psychological resilience, reduces symptom severity, and improves quality of life in various mental disorders such as depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, bipolar disorder, psychosis, and anxiety disorders.However, more randomized controlled trials are needed to more strongly demonstrate its effectiveness in different diagnostic groups.This review examines the definition, historical development, theoretical foundations, and applications of CBT in various mental disorders in light of current literature.