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Traumatic stress responses in earthquake survivors in Turkey
Author(s) -
Başoǧlu Metin,
Şalcioǧlu Ebru,
Livanou Maria
Publication year - 2002
Publication title -
journal of traumatic stress
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.259
H-Index - 134
eISSN - 1573-6598
pISSN - 0894-9867
DOI - 10.1023/a:1016241826589
Subject(s) - depression (economics) , psychiatry , traumatic stress , occupational safety and health , suicide prevention , injury prevention , poison control , posttraumatic stress , mental health , psychology , social support , acute stress disorder , human factors and ergonomics , clinical psychology , medicine , medical emergency , pathology , economics , psychotherapist , macroeconomics
Abstract This study examined the rates of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression and associated risk factors in earthquake survivors in Turkey. A group of 1,000 people from 3 camps and 2 prefabricated housing sites in the epicenter region was assessed using the Screening Instrument for Traumatic Stress in Earthquake Survivors. The estimated rates of PTSD and major depression were 43 and 31%, respectively. Traumatic stress symptoms related to more intense fear during the earthquake, female gender, having been trapped under rubble, death of a family member, past psychiatric illness, having participated in rescue work, and lower education. Avoidance of trauma reminders was the most common symptom and needs special attention in survivor care because of it mental health, social, and economic implications.