Trauma and associated factors in Türkiye national medical rescue team (UMKE) employees after Kahramanmaraş earthquakes: A six-month follow-up study

Aim: To investigate the trauma and related symptoms experienced by Trkiye National Medical Rescue Team (UMKE) employees following earthquakes in Kahramanmara.Material and Methods: Twenty-five males (78.1%) and five females (21.9%) were included in the study.A sociodemographic form and clinical data form, DSM-5 Acute Stress Symptom Severity Scale, DSM-5 Trauma Symptom Checklist, Beck Anxiety, and Beck Depression Scales were administered to UMKE employees who completed a one-week of duty in the earthquake-affected area.The assessments were conducted online during the first week and the first, third, and sixth months.Results: Upon examining the psychiatric scale scores of the participants over time, there was a decrease in Acute Stress Symptom Severity Scale scores, DSM-5 Trauma Symptom Checklist, and Beck Depression Scale, but a statistically significant decrease was not observed (p>0.05).Among factors associated with psychiatric conditions, participants with a previous psychiatric diagnosis had higher Beck Anxiety Scale scores (p=0.05), and those who had experienced a traumatic event had higher Acute Stress Symptom Severity Scale scores (p=0.039).Discussion: The study sheds light on the enduring psychological impact on emergency response teams, emphasizing the importance of long-term mental health support following natural disasters.Increasing awareness, proactive monitoring, and effective treatment strategies are demonstrated as essential in addressing the mental health issues faced by those actively involved in disaster relief efforts.