Impact of the Kahramanmaraş Earthquake on Adolescents' Mental Health
Author Information
Author(s): Kaplan Veysel, Düken Mehmet Emin, Kaya Rabia, Alkasaby Muhammad
Primary Institution: Harran University, Turkey; London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, United Kingdom
Hypothesis
The study investigates the psychological symptoms, suicide probability, and future expectations among adolescents affected by the Kahramanmaraş-centered earthquake in Türkiye.
Conclusion
The study found that adolescents affected by the earthquake experienced significant psychological problems, increased suicide probability, and negative future expectations.
Supporting Evidence
- Adolescents lost a median of one family member and four relatives due to the earthquake.
- The mean score of psychological symptoms was significantly high compared to other studies.
- There was a strong positive correlation between psychological symptoms and suicide probability.
- Adolescents who lost family members experienced increased psychological problems.
- Future expectations decreased with increased psychological symptoms.
Takeaway
After a big earthquake, many kids felt really sad and worried, and some even thought about hurting themselves because they lost family and felt scared about the future.
Methodology
A cross-sectional study using the Brief Symptom Inventory, Suicide Probability Scale, and Future Expectation Scale conducted through face-to-face interviews.
Potential Biases
The convenience sampling method may not represent the entire population affected by the earthquake.
Limitations
The study was conducted 3-4 months after the earthquake, which may not represent the long-term psychological effects, and it excluded individuals with pre-existing mental health conditions.
Participant Demographics
Participants were adolescents aged 12-18, with a mean age of 15.27 years, primarily from temporary camps in earthquake-affected regions.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website