Relationship Between Post-Earthquake Trauma Level and Emotional Eating Behavior in Adults

Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between trauma level and emotional eating in adults after a natural disaster, earthquake. Subjects and Methods: The study data were collected through a web-based questionnaire form and Snowball Sampling Method was used. The study included 524 adult individuals. Socio-demographic characteristics and anthropometric measurements of the individuals were questioned. The post-earthquake trauma levels of the individuals were evaluated with the ‘Post-Earthquake Trauma Level Determination Scale’ and their emotional eating status was evaluated with the ‘Emotional Eating Scale’. The data obtained from the study were analyzed with SPSS 26.0 (Statistical Package for Social Science) statistical programme. Results: A total of 387 women and 137 men were included in the study. 48.1% of these individuals are located in the earthquake zone. Of the individuals who participated in the study, 49.2% were married, 65.3% were university graduates and 34.2% had a diagnosed disease. More body weight gain and loss were observed in individuals in the earthquake region than in those not in the earthquake region (p<0.05). Trauma level and sub-dimension mean scores of the individuals in the earthquake zone were higher than the participants in the non-earthquake zone (p<0.05). A positive, weak and significant relationship was observed between the post-earthquake trauma level score and emotional eating (r=0.23, p<0.001), eating in a state of tension (r=0.23, p<0.001), eating to cope with negative emotions (r=0.24, p<0.001), self-control (r=0.15, p<0.001) and control in the face of stimulus (r=0.10, p<0.001). Conclusion: In conclusion, this study found a statistically significant positive relationship between post-earthquake trauma level and emotional eating. In order to prevent emotional eating and related eating disorders that may occur due to trauma that develops after a natural disaster, public awareness should be raised and precautions should be taken in this regard.