Socio-demographic Properties of Children Affected by the 2023 Kahramanmaraş-Centered (Türkiye) Earthquake in a Tertiary Hospital 1000 km Away

Background: The earthquake on February 6, 2023, significantly impacted Türkiye, affecting 13.5 million individuals and resulting in substantial damage and loss of life, including among children. Due to the high number of cases, earthquake-affected children who received initial medical intervention were transferred to various hospitals for further treatment. In our study, we aimed to evaluate the socio-demographic and clinical characteristics of earthquake-affected children who received treatment in our hospital. Materials and Methods: The study included children admitted to our hospital either through referral or outpatient assessment. Socio-demographic data on age, gender, place of residence, reason for admission, duration of entrapment, rescue method, loss of first-degree relatives, presence of a companion, and discharge status were collected. Descriptive statistical methods were used for analysis. Results: Between February 9 and March 2, 2023, 42 pediatric patients were hospitalized at a tertiary care center in İzmir. The mean age was 8.3±4 years, with 23 (54.8%) being male. The average duration under the wreckage was 28.60±26.87 hours (range: 1-105 hours). Among 33 children trapped, 17 (51.5%) were rescued by official teams, while 16 (48.5%) were extricated by civilians or relatives. Seventeen children (40.4%) who had no accompanying relatives were cared for by hospital staff. First-degree relative loss was reported in 24 (29.16%) cases. Fasciotomy was required in 14 (42.4%) children, and six (18%) underwent amputation. No significant correlation was found between entrapment duration and the need for amputation, fasciotomy, or dialysis. The mean hospitalization period was 33 days (range: 6-84). Following discharge, 29 (70.7%) children were unable to return home. Conclusion: Although the study represents a limited sample, the displacement of many children highlights significant social challenges. Beyond medical treatment, long-term housing solutions and psychological support remain critical components of post-disaster care for pediatric patients.