Examination of post-earthquake trauma levels of individuals affected by february 6, 2023 earthquakes

Abstract

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between pre-earthquake and earthquake-related characteristics and post-earthquake trauma levels of individuals affected by the February 6, 2023 Kahramanmaraş earthquakes.

Methods: The study is in survey design, one of the quantitative research methods. The participants consist of individuals affected by the earthquake and staying in temporary accommodation centers (student dormitories) in Konya province. A survey including a personal information form and a scale for determining the Post-Earthquake Trauma Levels was administered face to face to 334 volunteer participants.

Results: Adults aged 30-46, those trapped under debris, those injured in the earthquake, thosewho lost a family member, a relative, a neighbour or a friend, and those who received psychological support after the earthquake are in the risk group in terms of high post-earthquake trauma levels.

Conclusions: The findings reveal the groups in which the traumatic effects of earthquakes on adults are high. It is important to prepare intervention programs by considering the needs of these groups in psychosocial interventions to be carried out after the earthquake.