Evaluation of the demographic characteristics and general health status of earthquake survivors affected by the 2023 Kahramanmaraş earthquake; a section from Gaziantep Nurdağı district

BACKGROUND

An earthquake with a magnitude of 7.7 occurred in Pazarcık District of Turkey at 04.17 on February 6, 2023 and another earthquake of 7.6 occurred at 13.24 on the same day. This is the second largest earthquake to have occurred in Turkey. The aim of this study is to investigate the earthquake-related level of knowledge, attitudes and behaviours, general health and psychological status of survivors who were affected by the 2023 Kahramanmaraş Earthquake and who were living in Nurdağı District of Gaziantep after the earthquake.

METHODS

Data of 2317 individuals older than 18 years of age who were living in earthquake neighbourhoods, tents and containers in Nurdağı District of Gaziantep were examined. Variables were evaluated to find out the demographic characteristics and general health status of earthquake victims. General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12) was used to find out psychological states of earthquake victims.

RESULTS

The rate of injuries was 14.2% and leg and foot injuries were the most common with 44.2%. The relationship between injury status; and age, marital status, and being trapped under debris was revealed (p < 0.05). Mean GHQ-12 score of the survivors was 3.81 ± 2.81 and 51.9% experienced psychological distress. In the evaluation with logistic regression, it was found that female gender, being injured in the earthquake, loss of first degree and second degree relatives (with a higher rate in loss of first degree relative), having a severely damaged -to be demolished house and having a completely destroyed house were correlated with higher level of psychological distress (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

General characteristics, injury prevalence and affecting factors of earthquake survivors were evaluated in the present study. Psychological distress was found in victims. For this reason, providing protective and assistive services to fight the destructive effects of earthquake is vital. Accordingly, increasing the awareness of people residing in earthquake zones regarding earthquakes is exceptionally important.

Exploration of the primary needs of health care services for earthquake victims in the west of Iran

BACKGROUND

Natural disasters always have significant effects on social infrastructures, living conditions, and health care systems. This study aims to explain the needs of victims in the west of Iran for primary health care services.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This thematic content analysis and qualitative study was done from September 2020 to June 2021 in the west of Iran. Participants were selected using purposive sampling method. The data were extracted through semi-structured interviews with 17 earthquake victims and then examined through thematic content analysis.

RESULTS

By analyzing and coding the data, the primary needs of victims post an earthquake in the west of Iran were classified into four main categories) health services, mental health, social health, and health management (and 14 subcategories.

CONCLUSION

Regarding the primary needs (health services, mental health, social health, and health management), establishing a headquarters to meet the immediate and special health care needs seems to be required. It was recommended to create institutions for monitoring and supporting the health care needs at the level of the community and even policymaking, as well as guiding earthquake-stricken areas such as the eco-village.