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Comparison of earthquake survivors exposed to primary and secondary traumatic stress after the disaster in terms of post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms, suicide risk, depression and anxiety symptoms

Author

Listed:
  • Nermin Kara Narici
  • Sengul Kocamer Sahin
  • Feridun Bulbul
  • Abdurrahman Altindag
  • Bahadir Demir
  • Gulcin Elboga
  • Muhammet Sancaktar

Abstract

Background: Earthquakes can result in mental health issues for both earthquake survivors and rescue workers. Aims: To compare the prevalence and severity of PTSD, suicide risk, depression and anxiety between adults with primary earthquake trauma and rescue-aid personnel with secondary trauma exposure. Methods: In this analytic cross-sectional study, 133 survivors – hospitalised for crush injuries or residing in Nurdağı temporary shelters – and 127 rescue-aid personnel completed a sociodemographic form and three validated measures: the Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale-5 (CAPS-5) for PTSD diagnosis and severity, the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21) for depression, anxiety and stress symptoms and the Suicide Probability Scale (SPS) for suicide risk. Results: The sample comprised 260 adults (39.6% male; 60.4% female), classified as primary-trauma ( N : 133) or secondary-trauma ( N : 127). PTSD prevalence was significantly higher in the primary group ( N : 98, 73.7%) than in the secondary group ( N : 75, 59.1%; p : .012). PTSD rates were also higher in women ( N : 117, 74.5%) and in participants with low monthly income ( N : 55, 91.7%; p : .001). The primary group showed greater anxiety (6.95) and depression (9.58) scores and higher PTSD severity ( p  

Suggested Citation

  • Nermin Kara Narici & Sengul Kocamer Sahin & Feridun Bulbul & Abdurrahman Altindag & Bahadir Demir & Gulcin Elboga & Muhammet Sancaktar, 2026. "Comparison of earthquake survivors exposed to primary and secondary traumatic stress after the disaster in terms of post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms, suicide risk, depression and anxiety sympto," International Journal of Social Psychiatry, , vol. 72(1), pages 63-69, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:socpsy:v:72:y:2026:i:1:p:63-69
    DOI: 10.1177/00207640251350907
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