Mental health impact of the 2023 Kahramanmaraş earthquakes: Prevalence of PTSD, depression, anxiety, and stress among survivors

Gökkaya E., KUDAY A. D., ÇELEBİ İ.

Journal of Health Psychology, vol.30, no.12, pp.3284-3296, 2025 (SSCI) identifier identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 30 Issue: 12
  • Publication Date: 2025
  • Doi Number: 10.1177/13591053251324277
  • Journal Name: Journal of Health Psychology
  • Journal Indexes: Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI), Scopus, Academic Search Premier, ASSIA, International Bibliography of Social Sciences, PASCAL, CINAHL, Food Science & Technology Abstracts, MEDLINE, Psycinfo, Public Affairs Index
  • Page Numbers: pp.3284-3296
  • Keywords: anxiety, depression, earthquake, post-traumatic stress disorder, victim
  • Gazi University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, and stress among earthquake survivors following the 2023 Kahramanmaraş earthquakes. This cross-sectional study included 461 earthquake survivors. The findings revealed prevalence rates of 17.4% for PTSD, 61.2% for depression, 79.4% for anxiety, and 58.4% for stress. A moderately significant positive correlation was found between PTSD and depression (r = 0.434), anxiety (r = 0.543), and stress (r = 0.534). Female participants had a higher risk for PTSD (OR = 2.144, p = 0.028) and anxiety (OR = 2.014, p = 0.005). Being unmarried was associated with increased risks for depression (OR = 1.597, p = 0.030) and anxiety (OR = 1.523, p = 0.045). Participants aged 33–67 had a significantly lower risk of developing PTSD (OR = 0.079, p = 0.022). Increased psychological support is essential for earthquake survivors’ mental health recovery.