Quality of life and post-traumatic stress disorder among elderly earthquake survivors: a focus on the February earthquake in Turkey.

Abstract

Background: On 6 February, 2023, Turkey experienced a disaster resulting from two major earthquakes. The elderly population stands out as one of the most vulnerable and least adaptable. This study aims to identify the quality of life (QOL) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms among elderly earthquake survivors in Turkey.

Methods: This research was conducted between 1 October, 2023 and 15 December, 2023 as a cross-sectional design. During the data collection process, survey questions prepared by the researchers (29 questions) and the Elderly Quality of Life Scale (OPQOL-Bref) and the Impact of Events Scale (IES-R) were used.

Results: Three hundred and eighty-four elderly people participated in the study. PTSD was more common in those diagnosed with chronic diseases after the earthquake, in those who had a drug-free period after the earthquake, in those who smoked and quit smoking, and in those who started psychiatric medication after the earthquake. Post-traumatic stress was seen more frequently in those with low QOL scores and in those who had a longer period of not using medication after the earthquake. It was observed that QOL was better in married people, high school graduates, those with average income levels, those who did not have chronic diseases before and after the earthquake, those who did not have a drug-free period after the earthquake, those who were physically active, and those who did not use psychiatric medication after the earthquake.

Conclusion: Chronic disease diagnosis post-earthquake, drug-free periods, smoking habits, and psychiatric medication usage were identified as influential factors in PTSD occurrence. Additionally, the study shed light on the profound effect of earthquake-related experiences, such as house damage, injuries, deaths in first-degree relatives, displacement, and changes in living conditions, on PTSD prevalence.