A qualitative study on Turkey's earthquakes, the century's catastrophe: Perspectives and coping methods of surviving nursing students

Abstract

Aim

To understand the experiences and coping strategies of nursing students who were impacted by Turkey's once-in-a-century catastrophic earthquakes in 2023.

Background

Nursing students rarely experience a disaster in person, and their imagination can be limited.

Methods

This study used a descriptive-qualitative study design. It was conducted with 17 first-year nursing students, studying at a university in the northeastern part of Turkey, who survived the earthquake. A personal information form and a semistructured questionnaire were used to collect the data. The data were collected between March and April 2023 and analyzed using the content analysis method and the MaXQDA programme.

Results

The data were grouped into three main themes—“What ‘earthquake’ was and what it is now?,” “Am I aware of the ‘earthquake’ now?,” and “Coping mechanisms and supporting systems”—and categorized into seven subthemes.

Conclusions

The experiences of earthquake-affected nursing students emphasized the importance of being prepared for disasters and meeting their emotional needs.

Implications for nursing practice and policies

Including specific courses and case studies regarding disasters, whether natural or human-made, in education programs can ensure better prepared nurses. Also, the integration of content about management and coping with such crises into nursing curricula is considered vital.