Determination of Post-Earthquake Stress and Anxiety Levels of Individuals in Kahramanmaraş Province, the Center of the Earthquake

Authors : Ömer Tanrıverdi, Ayse Soylu, Yasemin Sazak

Pages : 636-645

Doi:10.53424/balikesirsbd.1454479

View : 28 | Download : 17

Publication Date : 2024-12-25

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :Objective: This study aimed to examine the frequency of post-traumatic stress disorder (TSSS), anxiety, and depression disorders in victims of the February 6, 2023, earthquake in Turkey. Materials and Methods: This study was carried out in Kahramanmaraş province, which was the most damaged by the earthquake, six months after the earthquake that shook Turkey on February 6, 2023. In the research, a personal information form was used to collect demographic data and a Traumatic Stress Symptom Scale was used to evaluate TSSS symptoms. The Earthquake Anxiety Attitude Scale was used to measure anxiety levels.Results: The mean age of the 570 participants was 28.86±10.71 years, and 77.5% were female. 65.1% of the participants were single, 48.4% had less income than expenses, 78.9% had a university degree or higher, and 51.2% were unemployed. The study revealed the presence of significant mental health problems. 58% of participants reported high levels of anxiety, 55% had symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (TSSS), and 43% had comorbid depression with TSSS. The study found a strong and positive relationship between earthquake anxiety and the Traumatic Stress Symptom Scale. Conclusion: The results of our study showed that a significant portion of earthquake victims in Turkey experienced mental health problems such as TSSS, anxiety, and depression even 5 months later. These findings clearly demonstrate that the traumatic effects of the earthquake can be long-lasting and that immediate and long-term mental health support is needed in affected areas. The importance of long-term mental health interventions to improve mental health after the earthquake is emphasized.
Keywords : Kahramanmaraş merkezli deprem, ruh sağlığı, travma sonrası stres bozukluğu.