Determination of Life Satisfaction and Good Death Perceptions According to Some Variables for Students Affected and Not Affected by Earthquakes: A Descriptive Research

Objective: This research was conducted to examine the differences between life satisfaction and good death perceptions according to some variables among university students who experienced and did not experience the earthquake that occurred in Türkiye on February 6, 2023. Material and Methods: This research was cross-sectional and relation-seeking in nature and was conducted at a state university from October 2023 to January 2024. A total of 2,039 students, 301 earthquake survivors and 1,738 non-earthquake survivors, participated in the study. The data for the study were collected using a questionnaire, the Concept of Good Death Instrument, and the Contentment with Life Assessment Scale. SPSS 27 package program was used in the evaluation of the data, number, percentage, mean, standard deviation, independent samples t-test and the structural equation model were used in the analysis. Results: Of students participating in the research, 14.8% were earthquake victims. The mean age was 20.90±2.92 years. According to the total scores of the Good Death and Life Satisfaction Scale, statistically significant differences were found based on sociodemographic features and factors related to good death among students affected and not affected by the earthquakes (p<0.05). The structural equation model revealed a significant negative relationship between good death and life satisfaction among earthquake-affected students (p<0.05), whereas a positive and significant relationship was found for students not affected by the earthquake (p<0.05). Conclusion: The research shows that earthquake impacts significantly affect students' perceptions of good death and life satisfaction. Tailored support programs by nursing institutions and health professionals can enhance resilience and well-being.