Post-traumatic stress disorder and Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale outcomes among rescuers and survivors: Cross-sectional study following the Syrian earthquake

Earthquakes are catastrophic natural events that cause extensive damage to individuals and communities. Exposure to such disasters often results in long-lasting psychological complications. This paper investigates the psychological impact of the 2023 Turkey-Syria earthquakes on both survivors and rescuers in the affected regions of Syria. The study was conducted 2 months after the event and involved a sample of 903 participants, selected using the self-selection method. The PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 was used to assess post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), while additional questions were used to evaluate depression, anxiety, and stress among participants from the Aleppo and Lattakia regions. The chi-square test of independence was utilized to examine the association between variables. Logistic regression was used to assess predictors of PTSD. The findings reveal that the earthquake had a significant impact on the psychological well-being of the population. Out of the 903 participants, 223 (24.6%) met the criteria for PTSD and 18.3% of them were rescuers. The chi-square test of independence demonstrated a clear association between PTSD and depression, anxiety, and stress. These results underscore the critical need for sustained mental health support for both survivors and rescuers. Immediate action, including psychological consultation, is essential to improve the quality of life for those affected. Such interventions can ultimately lead to better health outcomes for the population.