Prevalence and predictors of post-traumatic stress disorder among survivors of the 2023 earthquakes in Türkiye: The case of a temporary camp

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the potential prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among survivors of the 2023 Türkiye earthquakes and determine the factors linked to the severity of PTSD. The cross-sectional study was conducted in a temporary camp in Hatay between January 27 and February 2, 2024, approximately one year after the earthquakes. Two researchers visited the camp and offered participation to all the adults who met the study criteria. A total of 412 adults agreed to participate in the study and completed the questionnaire. A survey was used to gather information on various variables related to the context before, during, and after an earthquake. In addition, the Post-Traumatic Diagnostic Scale and the Brief Resilience Scale were used to measure PTSD and resilience, respectively. The screening scale indicated that 17.5 % of participants met the criteria for probable “severe” and 36.2 % met the criteria for probable “moderate to severe” PTSD, approximately 12 months post-earthquake. Multiple linear regression analyses revealed that PTSD was predicted by various factors in the within-, pre-, and post-earthquake periods. Among pre-earthquake variables, sex (β = 0.100, p < 0.05) and history of psychiatric illness (β = 0.098, p < 0.01) predict PTSD. Among within-earthquake variables, severity of earthquake exposure (β = 0.190, p < 0.001) predicted PTSD. Among post-earthquake variables, resilience (β = −0.378, p < 0.001) was negatively associated with severity of PTSD. These findings underscore the significance of considering multiple factors when comprehending and addressing PTSD in the aftermath of a natural disaster.