Psychiatric Morbidity and Suicidal Ideation Among Early Survivors Following the 2023 Kahramanmaras Earthquake in Turkey

Abstract

Objective

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of psychiatric morbidity along with sociodemographic and earthquake-related data on suicidal ideation among survivors of the 2023 Kahramanmaras earthquake in Turkey.

Method

The study included 270 volunteers who experienced the 2023 earthquake in Kahramanmaras, a province in middle east region of Turkey. These individuals were informed of the use of their personal data within the scope of the personal data protection law numbered 6698 and consent was obtained. The volunteers participated in the study online and were evaluated with a sociodemographic data form, Suicidal Ideation Scale and DSM-5 level one cross-sectional symptom scale.

Results

Single individuals (p = .009) and those who stated that they had insufficient social support (p = .001), had been injured or had lost a relative during the earthquake (p = .02), felt discrimination-exclusion after the earthquake (p = .03), and those who could not attend the funeral or funeral ceremony of their deceased relative (p < .001) scored higher on the Suicidal Ideation Scale. The DSM-5 level one cross-sectional symptom scale scores indicated that the scores in the depression (p = .024), somatization (p = .001), personality (p < .001) and addiction (0.039) subscales were more related to suicidal ideation.

Conclusion

After a mass trauma, it is very important to investigate the risk factors that may be associated with suicidal ideation among survivors and to be aware of possible psychiatric symptoms. Preventive actions in the earthquake-affected regions can be made more effective by considering these factors.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

The authors received no financial support for the research, authorship, or publication of this article

Notes on contributors

Sidika Baziki Çetin

Sidika Baziki Çetin, MD, PhD, is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychiatry at Harran University Faculty of Medicine, Şanlıurfa, Turkey. Her research interests include community mental health, alcohol and substance use disorder, schizophrenia and other psychiatric disorders.

Ülker Atilan Fedai

Ülker Atilan Fedai, MD, PhD, is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychiatry at Harran University Faculty of Medicine, Şanlıurfa, Turkey. Her research interests include alcohol and substance use disorder, consultation liaison psychiatry, schizophrenia and other psychiatric disorders.