Psychological Experiences and Risk Factors in Earthquakes

Abstract

This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of post-traumatic stress, anxiety, depression, and sleep problems in people affected by the 6 February 2023 earthquake in Turkey. The study also aimed to examine the prevalence of PTS, anxiety, depression, and sleep problems in earthquake survivors in the context of some variables (psychological help, residence in the earthquake zone, moving to a different settlement after the earthquake, gender, marital status, perceived economic status). A quantitative research method, namely relational survey design, was used in the study. 310 participants above the age of 18 (F=72.6%, M=27.4%; mean age=26.65; SD= ±7.97) were included in the study by using a suitable sampling method. 60.65% (F=78.7%, M=21.3; mean age=27.34; SD= ±8.87) of the participants were people who experienced the earthquake. Data were collected by using a personal information form, DSM-5 Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Checklist, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and DSM-5 Sleep Disorder Scale. Analyses were performed by using descriptive statistics, Pearson's product-moment correlation coefficient, independent sample t-test, one-way ANOVA and multiple regression analysis. The study results showed that 46.8% of the earthquake victims experienced post-traumatic stress, 42.2% anxiety, 22.4% sleep problems and 12% depression symptoms. Anxiety attitudes (β = .54), sleep behaviors (β = .27) and gender (β = -.10) predict the post-traumatic stress experienced by earthquake victims (F (3,184) = 81.75, p <.01). Earthquake victims who received psychological help significantly differed from those who did not receive psychological help in terms of PTS (t = -4.28, p <.01, d = -.80), anxiety (t = -3.85, p <.01, d = -.73) and sleep problems (t = -3.43, p <.01, d = -.65), but no difference was observed in depressive symptoms (t = .82, p <.41, d = -.15). Gender is a risk factor for psychological disorders after an earthquake. The departure of disaster victims from the region where they experienced the earthquake did not make a significant contribution to their psychological well-being. The study is expected to give a new perspective to NGOs and policymakers in the disaster preparedness process; and to mental health workers in terms of understanding the psychological state of people exposed to disasters and developing appropriate interventions.

Keywords

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Earthquake
• Post-traumatic stress
• Psychological effects
• Psychological help
• Risk factors
• Sleep problems

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