Evaluation of planetary health in family medicine specialization theses

The effects of climate change and environmental degradation on human health are becoming increasingly apparent. In this context, the role and trends of family medicine, which is central to primary health care, are of paramount importance. This study aimed to evaluate the degree to which the concepts of planetary health and One Health are addressed in family medicine dissertations in Turkey.

This is a retrospective review study designed in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines. Data were obtained by scanning Family Medicine theses published between 2001 and 2025 from the Turkish National Thesis Center database. Theses using the terms "planetary health" and "one health" in their title or abstract were incorporated into the search method. Data were categorized by publication year, institution, advisor name, and thematic content and analyzed using descriptive statistical methods.

A total of 579 theses were reviewed, and two duplicate theses were excluded. Only 5 theses (0.86%) were identified that included the specified terms in their abstract or title. All these theses were published in 2024, and it was observed that the advisors were concentrated among certain individuals. The examined theses revealed that although family physicians have positive attitudes toward planetary health, significant knowledge gaps exist, the concept of One Health is largely unheard of (78.3%), a family health center's carbon footprint is largely driven by transportation (76.35%), and there is a strong correlation between ecological intelligence and healthy living awareness.

The research findings indicate that planetary health themes are very limited in family medicine specialty theses. This contrasts with the World Health Organization's emphasis on this topic. Integrating planetary health into primary care requires updating medical curricula (climate change modules, One Health principles), expanding practical measures such as social prescribing, and promoting sustainable healthcare practices.