Anxiety and Fears of Pregnant Women: Evaluation of Incidence during the Earthquake in Turkey, 1999

Abstract

Introduction: Pregnancy is the time in our life representing more than any other period the continuation of life and expectations for a brighter future. Any threat to the well‐being of the individual, loss of life in the family or significant property damage may affect the physical and emotional well‐being. An earthquake disaster is a rare and unique life‐threatening state of major emotional stress; however, the emotional and behavioural effects of this unique scenario have not yet been described in the medical literature. Objective: To study some of the effects of an earthquake disaster experience on pregnant women's behaviour and emotions during and after the earthquake. Patients and Methods: We conducted a survey, using a questionnaire prepared by Israeli and Turkish physicians during the IDF field hospital stay in Adapazari in August 1999. The questionnaire focused on some behavioural and emotional aspects that were experienced by these women during and after the earthquake. The questionnaire was fill...