What potential issues can arise when using PHP include statements in code, as seen in the provided example?

Potential issues that can arise when using PHP include statements include exposing sensitive information if the file path is not properly secured, creating conflicts with variable names if the included file defines variables with the same name, and increasing the complexity of debugging due to scattered code across multiple files. To solve these issues, it is recommended to use absolute file paths, define variables with unique names, and organize code logic in a clear and structured manner.

<?php
include_once(__DIR__ . '/path/to/included_file.php');
// Code logic here
?>