Post-Earthquake PTSD: Identifying Key Risk Factors Eleven Months After the February 2023 Turkey Earthquakes

Objective Earthquakes are one of the most significant natural disasters, causing physical damage and psychological stress among victims. One of the major mental health issues that can arise after earthquakes is Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Our study aimed to investigate the prevalence of PTSD and PTSD risk factors in the eleventh month following the February 6, 2023 earthquakes in Turkey. Methods Our study was conducted between Dec 19, 2023, and Jan 2, 2024. All participants were given the Personal Information Form and, PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5). The Personal Information Form consists of three parts: survivors' characteristics, the characteristics of the trauma, and the post-trauma characteristics of the survivors. Results The study involved a total of 886 participants, aged between 18 and 65 years. Among the participants, 55.4% (n=491) were considered to have PTSD. The likelihood of receiving a diagnosis of PTSD is 2.95 times higher for male individuals, 2.07 times higher for injured individuals, 2.30 times higher for those who feel unable to escape their situation, and 2.03 times higher for individuals experiencing excessive fear or panic. Additionally, it is 1.65 times higher for individuals whose family member or close friend is injured, 1.82 times higher for individuals who lose their job after the earthquake, and 1.67 times higher for individuals experiencing economic problems after the earthquake. Conclusion Male gender, feeling trapped, experiencing extreme fear or panic, witnessing the injury of a family member or close friend, losing one's job after the earthquake, and facing economic problems after the earthquake are risk factors for PTSD.