The research demonstrates that while healthy living principles are theoretically known in Turkey, this knowledge is not consistently translated into daily life. The research emphasizes that wearable technologies like smartwatches can play a key role in closing this knowledge-action gap by providing personalized, understandable data and practical advice, enabling individuals to proactively manage their own health.
The research, conducted in collaboration with Huawei and IPSOS and using samples of approximately 1,000 people aged 18-64, provides striking and in-depth data on the health habits of the Turkish people.
Smartwatch Users Feel Healthier
According to the research, 66% of the Turkish population evaluates their overall health positively. However, only 18% describe their health as “excellent.” This highlights a potential discrepancy between personal health perception and objective data that better reflect a person’s actual physical condition, such as body mass index (BMI), symptoms, and stress levels.
Significant differences are also observed between age groups; While 70% of those aged 18-29 and 72% of those aged 30-39 rate their health positively, this rate drops to 60% over the age of 50. Smartwatch users, on the other hand, rate their health more positively than the general population; 75% of users report good health, compared to 64% of non-users. This demonstrates the positive impact of technology on health perception.
We Lag Behind the European Average in Body Mass Index and Physical Activity
One of the most striking findings of the study emerges regarding weight management and physical activity.
- Weight Management: The rate of overweight individuals in Turkey, at 34%, is above the average of the countries surveyed. The obesity rate is close to the average at 18%, while 52% of the total population is overweight or obese. This rate is above the combined average of 48% for the eight participating countries. By gender, 64% of men are overweight or obese, while the rate for women is 40%. The tendency to gain weight increases with age; 66% of individuals over the age of 50 fall into this category.
- Physical Activity: Turkey ranks among the lowest in physical activity among the countries surveyed. While 67% of the population adheres to the World Health Organization’s (WHO) minimum activity recommendations, this rate represents the lowest level compared to other countries. Thirty-three percent of the population has an activity level below the recommended level. Lack of knowledge is also a significant factor; knowledge of the WHO’s specific guidelines is quite low, and only 15% of participants can provide specific details about these norms.
Our Stress Levels Are at Record Highs, and We Are Concerned About Our Sleep Quality
There are significant and concerning findings specific to Turkey regarding stress and sleep, one of the biggest challenges of modern life:
- Stress: Turkey is the country with the highest reported “very high” stress level among the countries surveyed, with 46% reporting this level. This rate is well above the 35% average for the countries surveyed. Only 15% reported low stress levels. As a result, 44% of the public say they are dissatisfied with their current stress level.
- Stress Measurement Awareness: Despite these high stress rates, awareness of technology use for stress management is very low. Only 4% are aware that smartwatches can measure stress. Even more striking, 43% of smartwatch owners are unaware of this valuable feature on their devices.
- Sleep: 66% of Turkish consumers are unsure about how much sleep they should get per night. This rate, along with Poland, is the highest among the countries in the study. This uncertainty directly impacts sleep quality, with 32% of the population sleeping less than the recommended 7-9 hours.
- The research clearly demonstrates the potential of wearable technologies in proactive health management. Smartwatch users are more aware of many health metrics and have more positive habits:
- Level of Awareness: Smartwatch users are more aware than non-users of sleep recommendations (46% vs. 30%) and the frequency of health checkups (43% vs. 30%). This demonstrates that the technology not only measures sleep time but also serves as an educational tool.
- Habits: 68% of users adhere to the recommended sleep time. This demonstrates the effectiveness of devices’ reminder and tracking mechanisms in changing behavior.
- Barriers and Opportunities: 41% of the population is unaware of the health functions offered by smartwatches. The biggest obstacles to purchasing a device are perceived high cost and lack of need.
These are often attributed to the belief that smartphones are sufficient and the belief that they are unheard of. However, user demand for more advanced features like glucose monitoring, ECG, hydration measurement, and muscle mass tracking also highlights the market’s future growth potential.
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