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SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the comparability of self-collected and clinician-collected samples for human papillomavirus detection, cytological findings, and identification of infectious agents. METHODS: This prospective controlled clinical trial enrolled 124 women aged 30–65 years due for routine cervical cancer screening. This prospective comparative study enrolled 124 women aged 30–65 years who were eligible for routine cervical cancer screening. Participants were allocated to either a clinician-collected control group (n=51) or a self-collected group (n=73) via systematic allocation based on clinic registration order. Viral deoxyribonucleic acid analysis was performed by multiplex real-time polymerase chain reaction; cytological evaluation followed the Bethesda classification system. Infectious agents and participant satisfaction were also assessed. Laboratory personnel were blinded to group allocation. RESULTS: Overall human papillomavirus positivity was 21.8% (27/124), with rates of 27.5% (14/51) in the control group and 17.8% (13/73) in the self-collected group (p=0.200). Cytological abnormalities were detected in 5.5% of self-collected samples (three cases of atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance, one case of atypical squamous cells cannot exclude high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion) versus 0% in the control group (p=0.236). Inflammatory smear findings, Candida (9.8 vs. 8.2%), and Trichomonas vaginalis (0 vs. 1.4%) detection rates were similar between groups. Mean satisfaction score was 12.6±1.62 out of 16 (78.8% positive responses). CONCLUSION: Self-collected human papillomavirus sampling yields results diagnostically comparable to clinician-collected specimens. Self collected human papillomavirus sampling demonstrated similar human papillomavirus detection rates compared with clinician-collected specimens. Given its feasibility and high acceptability, self-collection may serve as an effective complementary approach in cervical cancer screening programs, particularly for reaching women who have not previously participated in screening.

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SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the association between serum homocysteine levels and female sexual function in reproductive-age women presenting with sexual dysfunction complaints and to evaluate relationships with vitamin B12 and folic acid levels. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 114 sexually active women aged 18–45 years presenting with sexual dysfunction complaints. Female sexual function was assessed using the Female Sexual Function Index. Fasting serum homocysteine, vitamin B12, and folic acid levels were measured. Correlation analyses, group comparisons, and multivariable linear regression were performed. A priori sample size calculation indicated that at least 84 participants were required to detect a moderate correlation (ρ=0.30) with 80% power. RESULTS: Female Sexual Function Index scores were available for 111 participants and homocysteine levels for 99 participants. The mean Female Sexual Function Index total score was 24.69±4.34, below the established cut-off for sexual dysfunction. Serum homocysteine levels were not associated with Female Sexual Function Index total or domain scores (ρ=-0.035, p=0.726). No significant differences were observed between homocysteine groups defined by ≤10 and >10 μmol/L or ≤15 and >15 μmol/L. Age showed a moderate negative correlation with the desire domain (ρ=-0.362, p<0.001). In multivariable regression, homocysteine, vitamin B12, and folic acid were not independent predictors of Female Sexual Function Index total score. CONCLUSION: In this symptomatic population, homocysteine levels were not associated with female sexual function. These findings should be interpreted cautiously due to the lack of a control group. Further large-scale, population-based studies are needed.

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SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to develop a type 1 diabetes mellitus self-management scale for children and to assess its psychometric properties. METHODS: A methodological, descriptive, correlational, and cross-sectional study was conducted. The research sample comprised 212 children with diabetes aged 7–12 years. Content validity was evaluated by seven experts in pediatric endocrinology, pediatric nursing, public health nursing, and Turkish language. Descriptive statistics, correlation analyses, Cronbach's alpha, McDonald's omega, split-half reliability, and factor analyses were used. RESULTS: The Cronbach's alpha for the overall scale was 0.893, and for the subscales, it ranged from 0.757 to 0.845. The item-total score correlations ranged from 0.408 to 0.660. Exploratory factor analysis revealed a four-factor structure that explained 57.730% of the total variance, with item loadings ranging from 0.380 to 0.863. Confirmatory factor analysis supported the four-factor structure, with factor loadings ranging from 0.52 to 0.87 and acceptable fit indices: χ2/df=1.461, goodness-of-fit index=0.901, comparative fit index=0.939, incremental fit index=0.941, Tucker–Lewis index=0.926, and root mean square error of approximation=0.066. CONCLUSION: The validity and reliability analyses revealed that the scale is a valid and reliable measure in Turkish culture.

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SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: In T4 colorectal cancer, the risk of peritoneal carcinomatosis is high, and the prognosis is poor. The aim of this study was to assess recurrence risk factors, peritoneal recurrence rates, and survival outcomes in patients radiologically diagnosed with T4 tumors who underwent curative surgery with prophylactic hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy. METHODS: Between January 2018 and December 2022, 38 radiologically diagnosed T4 colorectal cancer patients who underwent prophylactic hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy were retrospectively analyzed. All patients had R0 resection; those with intraoperative macroscopic peritoneal or distant metastases were excluded. Demographic data, tumor location, histopathology, and pathological T/N stages were recorded. During follow-up, local/distant recurrence, peritoneal carcinomatosis, metastatic sites, and mortality were assessed. RESULTS: The median age was 57 years, and 57.9% were male. The primary tumor originated mainly from the colon (81.6%), with moderately differentiated adenocarcinoma being the most common histology (57.8%). Recurrence occurred in four patients (10.5%): 2 hepatic, 1 pulmonary, and 1 peritoneal, with no local recurrence. One patient (2.6%) died within 90 days; no additional mortality was observed. Median overall survival was 55 months (95%CI 49.82–60.90). Univariate analysis showed no significant association between recurrence and tumor location, differentiation, pT or pN stage, or histologic subtype. CONCLUSION: In cT4 colorectal cancer patients treated with prophylactic hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy, recurrence was infrequent, peritoneal recurrence was rare, and radiological staging frequently overestimated tumor depth, supporting a potential benefit of prophylactic hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy in this setting.

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SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: To provide practical, evidence-based guidance for the evaluation and management of bleeding complications associated with oral anticoagulations, including vitamin K antagonists and direct oral anticoagulants, with emphasis on reversal strategies, supportive care, and safe resumption of anticoagulation. METHODS: This Brazilian multidisciplinary consensus was developed by the Brazilian Society of Thrombosis and Hemostasis (SBTH) based on contemporary international guidelines and the best available scientific evidence. Recommendations were reviewed by a multidisciplinary panel of experts and adapted to the Brazilian clinical setting and local resource availability. RESULTS: The document proposes a structured stepwise approach for the management of oral anticoagulation-related bleeding, including initial stabilization, bleeding severity assessment, laboratory evaluation, temporary interruption of anticoagulation, and indication of reversal or hemostatic therapies in patients with major bleeding and significant circulating anticoagulant levels. Specific management strategies are detailed according to anticoagulant class, including idarucizumab for dabigatran and andexanet alfa or prothrombin complex concentrates for factor Xa inhibitors. The consensus also emphasizes multidisciplinary follow-up and individualized decision-making regarding anticoagulation resumption after bleeding control. CONCLUSION: Management of bleeding in patients receiving oral anticoagulants requires rapid clinical assessment, severity stratification, targeted reversal strategies, and multidisciplinary care. Individualized reassessment of thrombotic versus hemorrhagic risk is essential to optimize outcomes and guide safe reintroduction of anticoagulation therapy after bleeding resolution.

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SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare postoperative sexual, urinary, and bowel function, pain, and cosmetic satisfaction in women undergoing hysterectomy via vaginal natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery or total laparoscopic hysterectomy for benign indications. METHODS: This retrospective study evaluated 43 patients who underwent total laparoscopic hysterectomy (n=25) or vaginal natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (n=18) between January 2021 and June 2025. Functional outcomes were assessed using Female Sexual Function Index, Urogenital Distress Inventory-6, and Wexner scores; pain and cosmetic satisfaction were measured with Visual Analog Scale. Appropriate statistical tests were applied with p<0.05 considered significant. RESULTS: Sexual, urinary, and bowel outcomes were similar between groups (p>0.05). Pain scores at 24 and 48 h were significantly lower in the vaginal natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery group (p=0.012 and p=0.028), and cosmetic satisfaction was higher (p=0.004). CONCLUSION: Vaginal natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery and total laparoscopic hysterectomy yield comparable functional outcomes, but vaginal natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery demonstrates advantages in postoperative pain and cosmetic satisfaction.

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SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: As minimally invasive techniques, particularly robotic surgery, become more prevalent, effective postoperative pain management remains crucial in colorectal cancer surgery. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of an erector spinae plane block on postoperative pain management and opioid consumption in patients undergoing robotic colorectal surgery. METHODS: The study was designed as a prospective observational non-randomized study. After receiving ethical approval, 70 patients were evaluated prospectively: Thirty-six patients were in the erector spinae plane block group, and 34 patients were in the control group. Postoperative pain scores at rest and during deep breathing/coughing, as well as opioid consumption within the first 24 h, patient-controlled analgesia demand data, the need for rescue analgesics, postoperative nausea and vomiting, and complications were recorded. RESULTS: The erector spinae plane block group demonstrated significantly lower postoperative pain scores, reduced total opioid consumption, and reduced patient-controlled analgesia demand during the first 72 h compared with the control group. The erector spinae plane block group also had a longer time to the first analgesic request. The erector spinae plane block group also had a lower incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting. Length of hospital stay and time to mobilization were similar between groups. CONCLUSION: Erector spinae plane block appears to be a safe and effective component of multimodal analgesia in robotic colorectal surgery. It was associated with lower postoperative pain scores, reduced opioid consumption, and fewer opioid-related side effects. Further multicenter randomized controlled studies are needed to confirm these findings.

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SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: Rheumatoid arthritis is associated with osteoporosis and falls. While anticholinergic burden increases fracture risk in older adults, its contribution to bone health in rheumatoid arthritis is unclear. The aim of this study was to determine if anticholinergic burden is an independent risk factor for osteoporosis and fracture in rheumatoid arthritis. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study included 120 adults with rheumatoid arthritis. Cumulative anticholinergic burden was quantified using eight validated scales (anticholinergic burden, Anticholinergic Risk Scale, Anticholinergic Drug Scale, Clinician-rated Anticholinergic Scale, Anticholinergic Activity Scale, Anticholinergic Effect on Cognition Scale, Anticholinergic Loading Scale, and CRIDECO). Outcomes included lumbar spine and hip bone mineral density, Fracture Risk Assessment Tool 10-year fracture probabilities, and World Health Organization-defined osteoporosis. Fracture Risk Assessment Tool major and L1-L4 T-score models included age, body mass index, rheumatoid arthritis duration, anticholinergic burden Calc Score, and Anticholinergic Drug Scale Score, whereas the binary osteoporosis model included age, body mass index, comorbidity count, anticholinergic burden Calc Score, and Anticholinergic Drug Scale Score. RESULTS: In unadjusted analyses, only Clinician-rated Anticholinergic Scale ≥1 was associated with osteoporosis (p=0.010), whereas the other thresholdbased scales were not. After adjustment for the covariates specified in each model, neither anticholinergic burden Calc Score nor Anticholinergic Drug Scale Score independently predicted Fracture Risk Assessment Tool major probability (p=0.415 and p=0.189), L1–L4 T-score (p=0.436 and p=0.291), or binary osteoporosis status (p=0.849 and p=0.653). Age remained the only independent predictor in the osteoporosis model (OR 1.083; 95%CI 1.019–1.151; p=0.010), whereas older age and lower body mass index predicted higher Fracture Risk Assessment Tool major probability. CONCLUSION: In rheumatoid arthritis, the apparent relationship between anticholinergic burden and osteoporosis is largely explained by age, body composition, and comorbidity-related prescribing. Although anticholinergic burden was not an independent fracture risk factor after adjustment, higher anticholinergic burden may still reflect greater prescribing complexity and comorbidity burden in rheumatoid arthritis.

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SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of adding non-immersive virtual reality-based exercise to a conventional rehabilitation program for pain, functionality, balance, and quality of life in patients with knee osteoarthritis. METHODS: This randomized controlled clinical trial involved 60 patients. Measurements were taken before and after treatment (at week 3). Visual analog scale, Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index, and the Short Form-36 were measured. Postural Stability– Dynamic Overall Stability Index, Functional Reach Composite Score, and Clinical Test of Sensory Interaction on Balance–Composite Score were recorded using the Biodex Balance System. RESULTS: In both groups, statistically significant improvements were observed in visual analog scale, Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index, the Short Form-36 Physical Functioning, Postural Stability–Dynamic Overall Stability Index, Functional Reach Composite Score, and Clinical Test of Sensory Interaction on Balance–Composite Score scores in the post-intervention period (p<0.001). In both groups, statistically significant improvements were observed in all Short Form-36 subscales [Physical Functioning, Role Physical, Bodily Pain, General Health, Vitality, Social Functioning, Role Emotional, and Mental Health were observed during the post-intervention period (p<0.001)]. In the two-way mixed-methods repeated-measures analysis of variance analysis, the time effect was found to be significant in all Short Form-36 subdimensions (p<0.001). The group-time interaction was not significant in the “Role Physical” and “Mental Health” subdimensions (p=0.151 and p=0.604, respectively). CONCLUSION: The addition of virtual reality-based exercise to results in greater reductions in pain levels and improvements in disease-specific functional status and overall physical function, postural stability, dynamic balance, and sensory integration. Further improvements in quality of life across all subscales except for physical role limitations and mental health.

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SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate serum miR-101 and miR-146a expression levels in adult sepsis, compare them with healthy controls, and assess their relationships with inflammatory markers and disease severity. METHODS: In total, 15 adults meeting Sepsis-3 criteria and 15 healthy controls were prospectively enrolled. Serum miR-101 and miR-146a levels were quantified by quantitative polymerase chain reaction within 24 h using the 2-∆Ct method and reassessed on day 3. Associations with clinical, laboratory, and disease severity parameters were analyzed. RESULTS: On day 1, miR-101 expression was significantly higher in the sepsis group than in controls (1.17 vs. 0.14; p=0.011). miR-146a levels were lower in sepsis but did not differ significantly (p=0.152). Neither miRNA showed a significant change from day 1 to day 3 (miR-101: p=0.776; miR-146a: p=0.191). miR-101 demonstrated positive correlations with procalcitonin, white blood cell count, C-reactive protein, creatinine, and a negative correlation with albumin. Levels were markedly higher in patients with cardiovascular comorbidities (ρ=0.622; p=0.013). miR-101 correlated positively with Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (ρ=0.412; p=0.024), while no association was observed with Sequential Organ Failure Assessment. miR-146a showed no meaningful correlations with clinical or laboratory parameters. CONCLUSION: miR-101 is significantly elevated in adult sepsis and reflects systemic inflammatory burden and disease severity; however, given its limited specificity, it should be considered a complementary biomarker rather than a standalone diagnostic or prognostic tool. Its stable expression between days 1 and 3 suggests a sustained early phase molecular response. miR-146a shows no significant change and has limited diagnostic relevance in adult sepsis. Larger multicenter studies are needed to validate these findings.

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SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between oxidative stress and cervical human papillomavirus infection and cervical intraepithelial neoplasia by measuring total oxidant status, total antioxidant status, and ischemia-modified albumin levels. METHODS: In total, 50 human papillomavirus+ women, 50 cervical intraepithelial neoplasia2/3+ women, and 50 healthy women as a control group were enrolled in the prospective case–control study. The total oxidant status, total antioxidant status, and ischemia-modified albumin levels were measured with colorimetric systems. The clinical characteristics, total oxidant status, total antioxidant status, and ischemia-modified albumin levels of three groups were compared. RESULTS: The mean total antioxidant status level was higher in the control group (1.044±0.0959 mmol/L) than in the human papillomavirus+ group (0.931±0.1034 mmol/L) and the cervical intraepithelial neoplasia2/3+ group (0.927±0.0928 mmol/L) (p<0.001). The median total oxidant status level was lower in the control group than the cervical intraepithelial neoplasia2/3+ group (4.570 [4.390–4.783] μmol/L vs. 4.780 [4.443–5.035] μmol/L, p<0.05). The ischemia-modified albumin levels were similar in three groups (p=0.220). CONCLUSION: The total antioxidant status level was lower, and the total oxidant status level was higher in women with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia2/3+ compared to the control group. These findings suggest that oxidative stress is effective in the progression of human papillomavirus infection to the preinvasive lesions of the cervix. The ischemia-modified albumin was not found to be a useful biomarker to indicate oxidative stress in women with human papillomavirus infection or cervical intraepithelial neoplasia2/3 lesions.

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SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate prenatal characteristics, associated anomalies, and perinatal and postnatal outcomes of fetuses diagnosed with congenital pulmonary airway malformation at a tertiary referral center. METHODS: This retrospective study analyzed data from 56 fetuses diagnosed prenatally with congenital pulmonary airway malformation by ultrasonography between January 2015 and December 2024. Maternal age, gestational age at diagnosis and delivery, lesion localization and ultrasonographic type, congenital pulmonary airway malformation volume ratio, presence of hydrops fetalis and associated anomalies, karyotype results, perinatal losses, postnatal surgical requirement, and long-term outcomes were evaluated. RESULTS: The median gestational age at diagnosis was 23 weeks (range: 15–32). Lesions were located in the right lung in 58.9% and in the left lung in 41.1% of cases. Mixed lesions were most common (44.6%), followed by microcystic (30.4%) and macrocystic (25.0%) types. Congenital pulmonary airway malformation volume ratio >1.6 was observed in 17.9% of cases, and hydrops fetalis developed in 12.5%. Associated structural anomalies were detected in 12.5% of fetuses. Pregnancy termination, intrauterine fetal demise, and neonatal death occurred in 7.1, 1.8, and 1.8% of cases, respectively. Spontaneous lesion regression was observed in 62.5% of cases, while only 12% of live-born infants required postnatal surgery. During a mean follow-up of 72.5 months (range: 22–96), no congenital pulmonary airway malformation-related mortality was observed. CONCLUSION: Most fetuses with prenatal congenital pulmonary airway malformation diagnosis have favorable perinatal and long-term outcomes. High congenital pulmonary airway malformation volume ratio and hydrops fetalis are key predictors of adverse outcomes, whereas conservative management is safe and effective in asymptomatic cases.

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SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to analyze the thematic and methodological evolution, alignment with global literature, and publication conversion rates of medical specialty theses in clinical nutrition in Turkey between 1990 and 2025. METHODS: A total of 750 theses were retrospectively analyzed from the Turkish National Thesis Center database. Data were evaluated for thematic content, diagnostic tools, and interdisciplinary distribution using Callon’s centrality/density metrics and segmented regression models. RESULTS: The dominant research themes were sarcopenia and muscle health (36.5%), nutritional support (28.0%), and malnutrition scores (26.4%). A strong thematic association was found between sarcopenia and frailty, primarily concentrated in geriatrics. Geriatrics exhibited the highest statistical density for sarcopenia and frailty themes (Adjusted Residual: +6.1). Objective muscle measurements were included in 48.2% of theses, with 65% of these utilizing computed tomography-based “opportunistic imaging.” Segmented regression identified 2015 as a significant structural breakpoint in thesis production (p<0.001). The overall publication rate was 28.4%, with the highest conversion observed in sarcopenia-focused theses (42.0%; 95%CI 36.2–47.8). Conversely, cachexia was the least represented area (1.2%). CONCLUSION: Clinical nutrition research in Türkiye has evolved into a muscle-focused, phenotype-based paradigm, with geriatrics serving as the primary driver. While sarcopenia has become central to clinical research, complex wasting syndromes like cachexia remain academically neglected. These findings demonstrate that geriatric nutrition plays a decisive role in national academic output, though more holistic and multidisciplinary research strategies are needed for future academic training.

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SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the levels of caregiver burden among family members of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and to investigate the sociodemographic, clinical, and psychological factors associated with this burden. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 125 caregivers of patients attending the Internal Medicine Outpatient Clinic at Eskişehir City Hospital, selected via consecutive sampling. Data were collected using a sociodemographic information form, the Zarit Caregiver Burden Index, and the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21. Statistical analyses included independent samples t-tests, Pearson’s correlation, and a three-step hierarchical multiple linear regression. RESULTS: Zarit Caregiver Burden Index scores were significantly higher among spousal caregivers and those caring for patients with diabetic complications (p<0.001). Caregiver burden showed moderate-to-strong positive correlations with depression (r=0.48), anxiety (r=0.42), and stress (r=0.51). Patient glycated hemoglobin levels showed a strong positive correlation with both Zarit Caregiver Burden Index (r=0.684) and depression scores (r=0.592). In the final hierarchical regression model, the presence of complications (β=0.35), higher glycated hemoglobin levels (β=0.32), spousal caregiving (β=0.28), stress (β=0.24), and depression (β=0.19) were identified as significant independent predictors of burden. The final model accounted for 51.2% of the total variance (Adjusted R2=0.484). CONCLUSION: Caring for individuals with diabetes mellitus is associated with a substantial psychological burden on family caregivers. These findings highlight the importance of integrating systematic psychosocial assessment and targeted support into routine diabetes management, particularly for caregivers of patients with poor glycemic control and complications, to mitigate caregiver burden and distress.

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SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: Human papillomavirus is a major cause of cervical and other human papillomavirus-related cancers, and education is essential for prevention. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a structured human papillomavirus education program on women’s human papillomavirus knowledge, health beliefs, and gynecologic cancer awareness. METHODS: A randomized controlled study was conducted with 68 women assigned to intervention and control groups. The intervention included four weekly educational sessions, and data were collected before and after the program using validated scales. RESULTS: While baseline scores were comparable, post-test results showed significantly higher human papillomavirus knowledge, health beliefs (severity, benefits, and susceptibility), and gynecologic cancer awareness in the intervention group, with no change in perceived barriers. CONCLUSION: A brief, theory-based human papillomavirus education program effectively improves women’s human papillomavirus-related knowledge and awareness and may support community-based prevention efforts.

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SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate affective temperament, emotion regulation, and anxiety–depression symptoms in women with idiopathic granulomatous mastitis, and to determine whether these psychological factors predict clinically relevant outcomes. METHODS: This case–control study included 97 patients with idiopathic granulomatous mastitis and 100 healthy controls. Affective temperament, emotion regulation, and anxiety–depression symptoms were assessed using the Temperament Evaluation of Memphis, Pisa, Paris, and San Diego Autoquestionnaire, the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale, and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, respectively. Multivariable logistic regression analyses had been performed to identify psychological predictors of recurrence, treatment resistance, and fistula formation. RESULTS: Between-group analyses showed higher depressive and anxious temperament traits in women with idiopathic granulomatous mastitis, greater emotion regulation difficulties, and elevated anxiety–depression symptoms (all p<0.001). Emotion regulation impairment independently predicted treatment resistance (OR 2.86, p=0.004). In contrast, anxious temperament was inversely associated with both recurrence (OR 0.33, p=0.012) and treatment resistance (OR 0.35, p=0.010). No psychological variable predicted fistula formation. CONCLUSION: Idiopathic granulomatous mastitis is associated with a distinct psychosomatic vulnerability profile. While impaired emotion regulation increases the risk of refractory disease, anxious temperament may be linked to protective vigilance-related behaviors. These findings support the integration of psychoneuroimmunology-informed psychological assessment into idiopathic granulomatous mastitis management.

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SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate university students’ knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors regarding sexual and reproductive health. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted using face-to-face questionnaires administered on a voluntary basis to university students aged 18-26 presenting to the Muğla Sıtkı Koçman University Kötekli No. 4 Family Health Center. Data were analyzed using International Business Machines Statistical Package for the Social Sciences Statistics version 26.0. Associations between categorical variables were evaluated using the chi-square and Fisher’s exact tests. RESULTS: A total of 383 students participated in the study (55.4% female, n=212; 44.6% male, n=171). Of the participants, 42.3% reported having sexual experience, which was significantly higher among males (p=0.002). The most common source of information on sexual and reproductive health was the internet (65.3%). The best-known family planning method was the condom (98.7%). The most commonly known sexually transmitted infection was human ımmunodeficiency virus/acquired ımmunodeficiency syndrome, and the most frequently reported symptom was genital discharge. CONCLUSION: University students’ level of knowledge regarding sexual and reproductive health is insufficient, and this gap suggests that knowledge alone is insufficient to drive behavior change, and that sociocultural and cognitive barriers—such as stigma, perceived norms, and risk misperception—play a mediating role.