Artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping healthcare by improving diagnosis and treatment planning, increasing operational efficiency, and streamlining administrative workflows. This paper integrates findings from an extensive PubMed search (2015-2025) with bibliometric analysis using RStudio and VOSviewer to investigate the comparative applications of AI methods in healthcare, collaborative networks, and emerging trends. A total of 1,243 records were identified through the PubMed search, and after removal of 143 duplicates, 1,100 records were screened. Following full-text assessment and exclusion of ineligible studies, 986 articles were included in the final bibliometric analysis. The main research areas included robotic-assisted surgery, predictive analytics, diagnostic imaging, and precision medicine, with particular emphasis on the prevalence of machine learning and deep learning in imaging and the increasing application of natural language processing to unstructured medical information. The review emphasizes the need for greater budgetary allocation to scalable and pragmatic AI technologies and for interdisciplinary cooperation among researchers, industry, and healthcare providers. Despite this growth, challenges such as algorithmic bias, data integration, and ethical concerns persist. The paper also highlights the importance of equitable collaboration, accountable AI, and multinational partnerships in ensuring that AI can be used ethically and efficiently in healthcare over the long term to improve patient care and biomedical innovation. It does so by mapping international and regional trends, identifying the most influential authors, institutions, and funding sources, and evaluating methodological approaches.
This study evaluated the effectiveness of government epidemic control policies centered on diagnostic testing and examined their impact on the in vitro diagnostics (IVD) industry. It also analyzed the complex interplay among policy interventions, epidemic dynamics, and the IVD industry's value chain to identify key leverage points for managing future public health crises. A system dynamics (SD) model calibrated using national data from the Republic of Korea simulated the interactions between epidemic progression and the IVD value chain. We conducted a scenario analysis encompassing 6 policy interventions: research and development (R&D) investment, public-private collaboration, regulatory easing, diagnostic test performance, testing intensity, and social distancing. Policies promoting investment, public-private collaboration, and regulatory easing accelerated the market entry of diagnostics, thereby reducing infections and deaths. However, these interventions were associated with lower overall industry revenue, attributable to increased market competition and a reduced patient population. A critical trade-off was noted: although regulatory speed is advantageous, using low-sensitivity diagnostics substantially worsened public health outcomes. Aggressive testing strategies and stringent social distancing were also confirmed to be effective in reducing both infections and mortality. This study provides a strategic framework for understanding interactions between pandemic control policies and the IVD industry. Sustained pre-crisis investment in R&D, public-private networks, and public health infrastructure is essential for effective pandemic preparedness. During a crisis, policymakers must carefully manage the critical trade-off between regulatory speed and diagnostic quality to ensure that rapid responses do not compromise public health outcomes.
This review examines how biotechnology advances (CRISPR/Cas9, next-generation targeted therapies, nanotechnology-based drug delivery, and immunotherapies) can be applied to address cancer drug resistance worldwide. It also considers the economic burden of resistance, inequities in access to biotechnology solutions, and ethical concerns surrounding rapid innovation, particularly in low-resource settings. A narrative review synthesized evidence from basic science studies, clinical trials, translational research, and policy analyses. Evidence was prioritized for 2015-2025 publications. The synthesis highlights resistance biology and evaluates how precision medicine, biomarker-guided treatment, and high-throughput drug screening can inform individualized regimens and rational combinations. Breakthroughs in gene editing, targeted inhibitors, nanocarriers, and immune engineering can counter key resistance mechanisms, including resistance-conferring mutations, altered drug transport, immune evasion, and tumor microenvironment-mediated protection. Despite progress, implementation barriers remain substantial: high drug and development costs, limited molecular diagnostics and manufacturing capacity, and regulatory and governance challenges that can delay adoption and widen disparities, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Integrating biotechnology innovations within precision medicine frameworks may improve treatment selection and patient outcomes. Maximizing public health impact requires affordability and financing strategies, robust ethical oversight, timely regulatory pathways, and coordinated global collaboration to ensure access to effective therapies across health systems worldwide.
This scoping review aimed to examine the impact of climate change on the health of older adults and to evaluate existing interventions targeting this population. The review followed Arksey and O'Malley's framework and the PRISMA-ScR guidelines. A comprehensive search was conducted across PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, and Web of Science. Eligible studies included those focusing on adults aged 60 years and older that examined the physical and mental health impacts of climate change across any geographic setting or level of care. Descriptive and thematic analyses were performed to identify key findings and knowledge gaps. Climate change adversely affects the physical and mental health of older adults through increased exposure to infectious diseases, extreme temperatures, and poor air and water quality. Older adults are particularly vulnerable to heat-related illnesses, cardiovascular events, and respiratory conditions, with women and individuals with comorbidities at higher risk. Climate change is also associated with increased anxiety, insomnia, and other mental health concerns in this population. Social support and targeted interventions-such as community awareness programs and subsidized cooling costs-are associated with reduced risk. Community-based initiatives have demonstrated potential in reducing mortality and enhancing resilience among older adults during extreme weather events. Healthcare professionals should be educated about climate-related health outcomes affecting older adults. Protecting this vulnerable population requires urgent, inclusive, and targeted strategies, including education, improved healthcare access, and tailored interventions.
Smartphone overdependence (SOD) and anxiety are major concerns in adolescent mental health; however, few studies have examined their bidirectional relationship. This study aimed to examine reciprocal associations between SOD and anxiety among adolescents. A secondary analysis was conducted with data from 50,975 adolescents in the 19th Korea Youth Risk Behavior Survey. SOD was measured using the SOD scale, and anxiety was assessed using the generalized anxiety disorder 7-item scale. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were conducted to examine reciprocal associations, adjusting for sociodemographic factors, perceived stress, loneliness, and depressive symptoms. Moderate to severe anxiety was found in 12.6% of participants, and 3.3% were classified as being at high risk for SOD. In adjusted models, the model with anxiety as the outcome demonstrated higher predictive performance (concordance rate, 86.5%) than the model with SOD as the outcome (77.3%). Adolescents at high risk for SOD had higher odds of reporting anxiety, and those with severe anxiety had higher odds of being classified as at high risk for SOD. Stress, loneliness, and smartphone use time were also identified as significant predictors. SOD and anxiety were strongly associated with each other among adolescents. Integrated approaches addressing both digital behavior and mental health may help inform strategies to reduce psychological distress. Public health strategies may benefit from considering both aspects when screening for problematic smartphone use and anxiety.
This study evaluated the EuroQol 5-dimensional questionnaire, 3-level version (EQ-5D-3L), using Korea Health Panel (KHP) data by examining its factor structure, measurement invariance across gender and age groups, and longitudinal measurement invariance. Panel 1 data from the second survey year (2009), when the EQ-5D-3L was first introduced in the KHP, through the 12th year (2017) were analyzed, along with panel 2 data from 2019 to 2021. Confirmatory factor analysis and measurement invariance tests by gender and age groups were conducted within each period. Longitudinal measurement invariance was also evaluated for each period. A 1-factor model demonstrated good fit for the EQ-5D-3L. In panel 1, full measurement invariance across gender and age groups was supported. In panel 2, partial invariance was achieved after relaxing constraints on item 5. Longitudinal measurement invariance was supported over 5- and 10-year intervals in panel 1 and over a 3-year interval in panel 2, indicating temporal stability of the measurement model. The EQ-5D-3L used in the KHP panel 1 and panel 2 datasets demonstrates a stable 1-factor structure and acceptable measurement invariance across key subgroups and over time. These findings support the use of the EQ-5D-3L as an appropriate instrument for assessing health-related quality of life among Korean adults and for longitudinal analyses within large-scale panel surveys.
This study examined the associations between digital literacy and self-rated health (SRH), depression, and life satisfaction among older adults in the Republic of Korea. Data were obtained from the 2023 National Survey of Older Koreans (n=9,951). Digital literacy was evaluated based on participants' ability to use 8 smartphone functions and their perceived difficulty adapting to a digital society. Dependent variables included SRH, depression (measured using the short form of Geriatric Depression Scale), and life satisfaction (assessed through a composite score across 7 domains). Multiple logistic regression was applied for SRH and depression, while linear regression was conducted for life satisfaction, adjusting for sociodemographic and health-related covariates. Higher digital literacy was significantly associated with better SRH and greater life satisfaction. Compared to participants with no digital skills, those with moderate or high digital literacy had higher odds of reporting good SRH and significantly higher life satisfaction scores. Older adults who reported difficulty adapting to a digital society demonstrated significantly lower SRH and life satisfaction. However, after adjusting for covariates, the association between digital literacy and depression was not statistically significant. Higher digital literacy is linked to better SRH and greater life satisfaction. Moreover, digital literacy reduced the explanatory power of socioeconomic variables, suggesting that it serves as an important behavioral determinant. These findings underscore the importance of promoting digital literacy as a means of improving health equity and well-being in aging populations.
This study aimed to assess the impact of high-level versus low-level construal messages about the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (CVICP) on public attitudes toward the program and COVID-19 vaccination. A randomized controlled experimental design was employed. Adults aged 18 to 64 residing in the Republic of Korea were randomly assigned to either an experimental group (high-level construal message) or a control group (low-level construal message). Both groups viewed a 2-minute video about the CVICP, with construal level as the sole variable. Pre- and post-intervention questionnaires evaluated attitudes toward the CVICP and COVID-19 vaccination, including satisfaction, perceived necessity, and perceived effectiveness in enhancing vaccine acceptance. Data were analyzed using the paired t-test, repeated measures 2-way analysis of variance, and multiple linear regression. The experimental group showed statistically significant improvements across all 6 attitude measures following exposure to the high-level construal message. By contrast, the control group demonstrated significant improvement in only 3 attitudes: satisfaction with the CVICP, willingness to recommend vaccination, and willingness for future vaccination. A significant difference between groups was observed for perceived effectiveness of the CVICP in enhancing vaccine acceptance (p=0.01), with high-level construal messaging being more impactful. High-level construal messages are more effective than low-level messages in shaping public perceptions and addressing vaccine hesitancy. Policymakers and health authorities should incorporate high-level construal elements into communication strategies to build trust and support for vaccination programs.
To examine how national innovation and policy configurations enabled vaccine development in Brazil, Cuba, India, and Iran, and to distil lessons for low- and middle-income country (LMIC) vaccine sovereignty. Narrative review of peer-reviewed and grey literature (2020-2023), guided by a structured search and screening approach; synthesis mapped to national and sectoral innovation system perspectives and technology readiness levels. Cuba and Iran leveraged mission-oriented public research and development (R&D) and domestic platforms; India combined indigenous R&D with large-scale licensed manufacturing; Brazil's scientific capacity was constrained by fragmented governance and supply-chain dependence. Adaptive regulation (e.g., emergency use authorization/conditional approvals), targeted technology transfer, and South-South partnerships accelerated progress but raised longer-term questions about intellectual property (IP) control and economic sustainability. Institutional coherence, strategic IP management, and regional manufacturing alliances are as critical as scientific capacity for LMIC vaccine self-reliance. Policy priorities include pre-negotiated tech-transfer frameworks, regulatory preparedness, and investment in public R&D linked to distributed manufacturing.
This study aimed to (1) assess healthcare workers' (HCWs) knowledge and attitudes toward mpox across 3 Gulf countries, and (2) examine factors influencing their acceptance of the mpox vaccine using the health belief model (HBM). This model evaluated perceptions related to susceptibility, severity, benefits, barriers, cues to action, and self-efficacy. Additionally, the study explored the impact of prior coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination history on mpox vaccine acceptance. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 764 HCWs from the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Saudi Arabia, and Qatar. Data were collected through a structured online questionnaire based on HBM constructs. Logistic regression and structural equation modeling were employed to analyze predictors of vaccine acceptance. Knowledge levels varied across the countries, with the highest proportion of good knowledge reported in the UAE (59%). UAE HCWs also demonstrated higher perceived susceptibility, perceived benefits, and intention to vaccinate compared to those in Saudi Arabia and Qatar (p<0.001). Receiving 4 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine was associated with greater acceptance of the mpox vaccine. Among the HBM constructs, perceived benefits and self-efficacy were identified as the strongest predictors of vaccine acceptance. Perceived barriers, such as fear of side effects and concerns about vaccine safety, were more prominent among HCWs in Saudi Arabia and Qatar. The HBM effectively explains the factors influencing mpox vaccine acceptance among Gulf HCWs. Targeted interventions that improve perceived benefits, reduce barriers, and improve self-efficacy may facilitate greater vaccine uptake and preparedness for emerging infectious diseases.
This study measured the impact of prenatal intimate partner violence (p-IPV) on maternal mental health and suspected developmental delays (SDDs) in children at 6 months of age in central Vietnam. Data were drawn from a community-based birth cohort of 285 mother-child dyads in Hue citycity, central Vietnam. The exposure factor was p-IPV, assessed using the revised conflict tactics scale (CTS2). Maternal mental health was measured with the patient health questionnaire-9. Child development at 6 months was screened using the Vietnamese version of the Ages and Stages Questionnaire, 3rd Edition (ASQ-3). Robust Poisson regression was used to estimate associations of p-IPV with maternal mental health and SDDs. Among the women, 18.9% reported experiencing p-IPV. SDDs were identified in 13% of the children, with communication delays being the most prevalent (10.9%). The association between p-IPV and SDDs remained significant after adjustment for confounders in multilevel models, with the highest relative risk (RR) observed in the fully adjusted model (RR, 2.43; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.08-5.48). p-IPV exposure was significantly associated with postpartum depression in the crude and partially adjusted models, but this association became non-significant after full adjustment-most notably after accounting for prenatal depression, which remained a predictor of postpartum depression (RR, 1.15; 95% CI, 1.06-1.25). p-IPV is significantly associated with increased risk of postpartum depression and developmental delays in early infancy. Integrating IPV screening and targeted interventions into prenatal care may contribute to improved developmental outcomes in children and better maternal health.
Non-communicable disease (NCD) risk among adolescents represents a growing concern due to modifiable, lifestyle-related behavioral risk factors. Early identification and control of these factors are essential for prevention. This study assessed the correlates and cooccurrence of NCD-related lifestyle risk factors among school-going adolescents in Karnataka, India, aiming to inform intervention development. Screening was conducted among 1,100 school adolescents aged 13-16 years from 8 randomly selected urban and rural schools in Karnataka. Data were collected using a validated self-administered questionnaire covering sociodemographic characteristics and social cognitive theory predictors of lifestyle practices. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and logistic regression were employed. Of the 1,100 adolescents surveyed, 552 and 548 were from urban and rural areas, respectively. Both groups reported high rates of insufficient fruit and vegetable (FV) intake (96.7% and 67.7%, respectively), inadequate physical activity (96.7% and 68.6%), tobacco use (5.6% and 11.5%), and alcohol consumption (5.6% and 10.8%). On logistic regression, urban adolescents were significantly more likely than rural peers to exhibit multiple behavioral risk factors, with 19-fold higher odds of having ≥1 factor (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 19.04; p< 0.001) and 4-fold higher odds of having ≥2 (AOR, 4.06; p < 0.001). Parental (particularly maternal) education was associated with NCD risk (AOR, 1.82; p= 0.001). Physical inactivity significantly co-occurred with low FV intake (71.7%) and junk food consumption (72.8%). Unhealthy lifestyle behaviors among adolescents displayed significant cooccurrence, underscoring the critical need for comprehensive, theory-based school interventions to address multiple interconnected risk factors and mitigate the burden of NCDs.
This study investigated a cluster of secondary human-to-human transmission of severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS) in a hospital setting, focusing on infection risk factors and the role of personal protective equipment (PPE). A descriptive epidemiological investigation was conducted following the death of an index patient with laboratory-confirmed SFTS. A total of 27 close contacts, including healthcare workers and a funeral director, were monitored for symptoms. Suspected cases underwent real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction testing. Clinical features, PPE use, and exposure histories were analyzed. The Fisher exact test was used to assess associations between PPE use and infection. Viral genotyping and sequence analyses were performed to evaluate transmission routes. The index patient deteriorated rapidly and died after repeated cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), during which 8 secondary cases occurred. Most infections were identified among individuals involved in CPR or postmortem care without adequate PPE. Although not statistically significant, infection rates were higher among those who did not wear masks or who used low-filtration masks. Proper use of gloves, gowns, and goggles was associated with lower infection rates. Cycle threshold values in secondary cases (range, 34-39) were higher than in the index case (14.07), suggesting lower viral loads. Sequence analysis demonstrated 99.6%-100% homology between the index and secondary cases; all isolates were genotype B, indicating direct transmission. This study provides molecular and epidemiological evidence of nosocomial SFTS transmission. Inadequate PPE use during aerosol-generating procedures likely facilitated infection, underscoring the importance of strict adherence to PPE protocols and reinforced infection control practices.
In May 2025, clusters of salmonellosis were identified in 7 cities in the Republic of Korea, all associated with consumption of identical bakery products. This investigation aimed to characterize the outbreak, identify potential contributing factors, and inform strategies for preventing similar multi-facility foodborne outbreaks. A case series study was conducted among individuals who consumed Manufacturer H's Product I and Product II on May 15-16, 2025 at 7 facilities (n= 1,235). Clinical specimens from symptomatic individuals, retained food samples, and environmental samples were collected and tested. Food-exposure histories were assessed, and active case finding was implemented across all supplied facilities. Traceback investigations were conducted at the manufacturer, distributor, and egg farms. Human and food isolates underwent pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) and whole-genome sequencing (WGS). A total of 323 cases met the outbreak case definition (attack rate, 26.2%), of which 48 were laboratory-confirmed. Salmonella Enteritidis was isolated from both clinical specimens and retained bakery products. PFGE patterns were indistinguishable between human and food isolates, and WGS demonstrated high genetic relatedness. These findings confirmed a common-source outbreak linked to the implicated bakery products. This outbreak underscores the value of integrating epidemiological investigation, active case finding, and molecular typing to identify common food vehicles in outbreaks involving widely distributed manufactured foods. Coordinated collaboration between public health and food safety authorities is essential for the effective detection, response, and prevention of multi-facility foodborne outbreaks.
This study investigated the relationship between metabolic factors (blood lipids and glucose) and inflammatory indicators (tumor necrosis factor-alpha [TNF-α] and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein [hs-CRP]), disease activity, and the rheumatoid arthritis (RA) risk. Serum fasting blood glucose (FBG) and lipid profiles-including total cholesterol (Chol), triglycerides (TG), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and low-density lipoprotein-were measured in 100 RA patients and 100 healthy individuals. Disease severity was assessed using the disease activity score 28. Inflammatory indicators (TNF-α and hs-CRP) were measured using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method. In RA patients, serum FBG, TG, Chol/HDL, and TG/HDL were significantly elevated, whereas HDL levels reduced compared to healthy individuals. Multivariate analysis indicated that each unit increase in serum FBG, HDL, Chol/HDL, and TG/HDL was associated with a 64% increase (p<0.001), a 7% reduction (p=0.001), a 52% increase (p=0.007), and a 54% increase (p=0.001) in the odds of RA, respectively. Disease activity showed no correlation with metabolic factors (p>0.05). Among all metabolic factors studied, FBG had the largest area under the curve (0.981) (p<0.0001) for predicting RA. Across the total participant group, FBG, TG, and TG/HDL were positively associated with hs-CRP and TNF-α (p<0.05). HDL showed an inverse association with hs-CRP (p=0.008). Among RA patients specifically, TNF-α positively correlated with TG and TG/HDL, while hs-CRP correlated only with TG/HDL. These findings indicate that increased FBG and Chol/HDL and decreased HDL may elevate RA risk by promoting systemic inflammation. Among these, elevated FBG may serve as the strongest predictor of RA risk.
This study aimed to examine trends and factors associated with severe physical and psychological consequences following induced abortion among women in the Republic of Korea. An online survey was conducted of adolescent and adult Korean women aged 13 to 64 years, termed the 2022 Sex and Reproductive Health Survey. Respondents who reported a history of induced abortion were analyzed. Logistic regression models that accounted for individual risk factors were fitted to calculate adjusted odds ratios (aOR). The prevalence of induced abortion was 20.1% (914 of 4,552 respondents). The most frequent indications for abortion were social reasons, and across all periods, approximately half of the women or more reported non-medical challenges at the time of their most recent abortion. Severe physical and psychological sequelae after abortion increased 5-fold from 1980-1992 to 2013-2022. Among those whose most recent abortion occurred in 2003 or later, the risk of severe psychological sequelae was higher in 2013-2022, after the Korean Constitutional Court upheld the existing criminal codes, than in 2003-2012 (aOR, 2.31; 95% confidence interval, 1.09-4.91). In the absence of institutionalized safe and respectful abortion services, severe physical and psychological sequelae among women who underwent induced abortion were more likely to occur. These findings highlight the importance of safe, affordable, nondiscriminatory, and respectful abortion care.
Scrub typhus, caused by Orientia tsutsugamushi, is a climate-sensitive vector-borne disease with high incidence in the Republic of Korea. This study examined long-term epidemiological trends and changing meteorological influences in the context of climate change. A retrospective time-series study was conducted using national surveillance data on 149,289 scrub typhus cases (2001-2024) across 4 surveillance phases. Temporal trends in age-standardized incidence rates were evaluated using Joinpoint regression. Associations between monthly meteorological variables and incidence were assessed with Spearman correlation analysis and time-series regression analysis using distributed lag non-linear models. The national incidence increased until 2017 and has decreased since 2018, whereas the AAPC rebound to 4.32% during phase IV (2019-2024). The proportion of female cases decreased, while that of adults ≥70 years increased significantly. In phase IV, the average annual percent change increased in central and urban regions. The lag effect of meteorological factors lengthened from 4 to 6 months, with mean temperature (Tmean) and relative humidity (RH) representing the primary predictors. Phase III (2013-2018) displayed the highest cumulative relative risk (RR) for Tmean at 25.2 °C (RR, 5.86; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.56-13.42), whereas in phase IV, only moderate RH (58%) remained significantly associated with incidence (RR, 1.68; 95% CI, 1.29-2.20). Over the past 2 decades, the influence of meteorological factors on scrub typhus has shifted, with recent years marked by greater uncertainty under increasing climate variability and instability. For timely risk prediction and targeted prevention, adaptive surveillance systems that integrate dynamic climate indicators-capturing the intensity, frequency, and variability of extreme weather events-are needed.
Anopheles sinensis is a predominant malaria vector found throughout the Republic of Korea (ROK). Population genetic analysis can provide insights into the origins and migration patterns of malaria vectors by assessing genetic variation and distribution among populations. In this study, we examined the population genetic structure of An. sinensis in the ROK using mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) marker. A total of 903 specimens of An. sinensis were collected from 9 sampling regions, including malaria-endemic and non-endemic areas. All populations displayed characteristics typical of migrant populations, with high haplotype diversity (Hd) and low nucleotide diversity (Pi). Network analysis identified 124 haplotypes grouped into 2 clusters. Both clusters included haplotypes from malaria-endemic and non-endemic areas. Cluster I shared its most recent common ancestry with Chinese reference sequences, while cluster II had related with Japanese reference sequences. Pairwise genetic distance (FST) analysis indicated generally low genetic differentiation among populations. Furthermore, FST values tended to increase proportionally with geographical distance between regions. Analysis of molecular variance confirmed that individual mosquitoes within the population had a large effect on the overall variation. Neutrality tests using 4 methods (Tajima's D, Fu's Fs, Fu and Li's D, and Fu and Li's F) yielded negative values, suggesting that An. sinensis populations are expanding in all studied regions. This study characterizes the genetic attributes of An. sinensis in the ROK, providing valuable insights into the biology of this important malaria vector and contributing useful data for malaria control strategies.
The objectives of this review and meta-analysis were twofold: first, to critically evaluate the effectiveness of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)-based interventions relative to standard care or control conditions in promoting smoking abstinence at the end of treatment, and second, to determine abstinence rates at 3 and 6 months of follow-up. A comprehensive search of electronic databases, including PubMed, Cochrane Library, PsycINFO, Embase, and ClinicalTrials.gov, was conducted for randomized controlled trials published from 2001 to September 2024. Studies evaluating the effect of CBT on abstinence rates among healthy smokers (aged ≥12 years) were included and analyzed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Out of 1,514 study records screened, 7 studies (comprising 17 arms and 1,438 participants) met eligibility criteria for inclusion in the final analysis. The pooled analysis revealed that CBT significantly improved smoking abstinence rates, demonstrating a fourfold increase in effectiveness compared to controls (odds ratio [OR], 4.04; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.73-5.99; I2=19%; p<0.00001). Additionally, CBT significantly impacted smoking cessation at 3-month follow-up (OR, 1.62; 95% CI, 1.11-2.38; I2=0%; p=0.01) and 6-month follow-up (OR, 2.19; 95% CI, 1.59-3.00; I2=0%; p<0.00001). CBT has demonstrated efficacy in facilitating smoking abstinence, particularly immediately after treatment, with sustained but diminished effects over time. However, robust conclusions on the efficacy of CBT require further studies involving larger sample sizes, diverse geographical regions, and longer follow-up periods.