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Examining Predictors of Post-Traumatic Changes Among Mothers in Turkey Following Earthquakes

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  25 November 2024

Gizem Kerimoğlu Yıldız Open the ORCID record for Gizem Kerimoğlu Yıldız [Opens in a new window]  and
Rukiye Turk Delibalta
Gizem Kerimoğlu Yıldız*
Affiliation:
Hatay Mustafa Kemal University, Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Nursing, Hatay, Turkey
Rukiye Turk Delibalta
Affiliation:
Kars Kafkas University, Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Nursing, Kars, Turkey
*
Corresponding author: Gizem Kerimoğlu Yıldız; Email: [email protected]
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Abstract

Objectives

This study aims to assess the prevalence of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in mothers affected by the February 2023 earthquakes in Turkey and to explore the influence of spiritual well-being and other factors on their Post-Traumatic Growth (PTG) levels.

Methods

The study’s sample consisted of mothers invited to participate voluntarily through online social media platforms between October-December 2023. The Mother Information Form, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Control List, Post-Traumatic Growth Scale, and Spiritual Well-Being Scale (SWBS) were used as data collection instruments.

Results

A total of 303 mothers participated in this study. The mean total PTSD score was 49.35 (SD: 19.76), and 83.5% of mothers were categorized under severe anxiety levels. There was a statistically significant weak and positive relationship between PTSD and PTG levels (r: 0.282, P:0.000). When the predictors of PTG are considered, the spiritual well-being of mothers significantly predicts PTG (F: 43.944, P: 0.000). It accounts for 12.7% (R Square = 0.127) of the variance in mothers’ PTG.

Conclusions

Mothers showed high PTSD levels 9 months after the earthquakes, but alongside these high levels, it has a positive relation with their PTG, which may show mothers becoming stronger after their traumatic experience. Study results showed the mothers’ spiritual levels were a significant predictor for PTG.

Keywords

earthquakesmotherspost-traumatic growthspiritual well-being
Type
Original Research
Information
Disaster Medicine and Public Health Preparedness , Volume 18 , 2024 , e282
Copyright
© The Author(s), 2024. Published by Cambridge University Press on behalf of Society for Disaster Medicine and Public Health, Inc.

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