The COVID-19 pandemic is an important factor affecting the health of people worldwide, as well as a source of fear, stress, and anxiety. The aim of this study was to determine the level of fear caused by the COVID-19 pandemic in Turkish society and evaluate its effects on quality of life. The sociodemographic information form, COVID-19 Fear Scale (FCV-19S), and WHOQOL-BREF Quality of Life Scale were applied to the participants. A total of 705 people, who were accessed via the internet, responded willingly to the study, which was planned as a cross-sectional analytical study. The mean FCV-19S score was 17.4 ± 5.9 (7–32) points. Fear points were higher among females than males ( p < 0.001), and among single individuals than among those who were married ( p = 0.049). Fear scores were low for tradesmen, those with low educational status, and those with high income levels ( p < 0.001). According to the WHOQOL-BREF Scale, the FCV19S of those with very good quality of life was low ( p = 0.042), and the FCV-19S of those who were not satisfied with life was high ( p < 0.001). Statistically, a weak negative correlation was detected between the fear scores, and physical health and psychological health ( r =  − 0.190, r =  − 0.198, p < 0.001). Fear level varies according to gender, education, and income level, regardless of age. As fear increases, quality of life decreases, and physical and psychological health were negatively affected. The authors believed that the outcome of the study would help inform the public about COVID-19, as well as cope with the psychological effects and fears of COVID-19.

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought countries’ health services into sharp focus. It was drawn to our group’s attention that healthcare workers (HCWs) had a lower mortality rate against higher COVID-19 incidence compared to the general population in Turkey. Since risk of exposure to tuberculosis bacillus among healthcare workers are higher than the population, we aimed to investigate if there is a relationship between BCG and Mycobacterium tuberculosis exposure history with COVID-19 severity in infected HCWs. This study was conducted with 465 infected HCWs from thirty-three hospitals to assess the relationship between COVID-19 severity (according to their hospitalization status and the presence of radiological pneumonia) and BCG and Mycobacterium tuberculosis exposure history. HCWs who required hospital admission had significantly higher rates of chronic diseases, radiological pneumonia, and longer working hours in the clinics. Higher rates of history of contact and care to tuberculosis patients, history of tuberculosis, and BCG vaccine were observed in hospitalized HCWs. HCWs who had radiological pneumonia had a significantly increased ratio of history of care to tuberculosis patients and a higher family history of tuberculosis. The findings from our study suggest that the lower mortality rate despite the more severe disease course seen in infected HCWs might be due to frequent exposure to tuberculosis bacillus and the mortality-reducing effects of the BCG vaccine.

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Lung age is a method that can be used to show cigarette-related early changes in the lungs, which are calculated according to sex, forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), height, and motivate patients to quit smoking. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of cigarette on lung age and pulmonary function tests. Materials and methods: This study was conducted in 85 smokers and 85 non-smokers. Participants' age, gender, education, marital status, occupation, carbon monoxide (CO) values, Fagerström addiction scores and respiratory function test results were recorded. Lung age was calculated using height and FEV1 values measured by respiratory function test according to sex. Results: Of the smokers, the mean chronological age of smokers was 35.81 ± 12.27, the mean lung age was 57.15 ± 23.54 years. Of the nonsmokers, the mean age of the chronologic age was 34.93 ± 10.85 years and the mean age of the lungs was 44.17 ± 16.23 years. When the correlation between lung age of smokers and smoking package/year was examined, there was a moderate significantly correlation in the positive direction. Of the smokers, the mean of CO levels was 12.22±5.87 ppm, the Fagerström smoking dependence average was 6.61±2.28 points, and the mean of the smoker's package/year was 21.82±14.69. FEV1 and forced vital capacity (FVC) values of the smokers were significantly lower than non-smokers. Conclusion: In our study, smokers had higher lung age than non-smokers. Behavioral cognitive methods, motivational support and pharmacological treatment suggested by the guidelines are applied together in the smoking cessation policlinics. In addition to these, explaining the results of lung function tests on individuals, differences between the chronological age and the lung age of the person will motivate them to quit smoking.

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