Psychological Impact of the 2023 Kahramanmaraş Earthquakes on Non-Victims

The 2023 Kahramanmaraş earthquakes, with magnitudes of 7.7 and 7.6, caused extensive destruction and psychological distress across southeastern Turkey. This study explores the psychological impact on non-victims, particularly Istanbul residents, focusing on mental health outcomes and coping mechanisms. A cross-sectional survey was conducted from March to May 2024 with 721 participants from various Turkish cities, including a significant portion from Istanbul. Validated psychological scales such as the Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II), Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale (WEMWBS), and PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5) measured depression, anxiety, well-being, and PTSD symptoms. Sociodemographic factors like age, gender, occupation, income, education level, and previous earthquake experience were also analyzed.

showed significant psychological distress among non-victims: 51.9% reported high levels of distress, with 24% meeting PTSD criteria, 30% exhibiting moderate to severe depression, and 28% experiencing significant anxiety. Higher income and education levels correlated with better mental health outcomes. Higher education levels were linked to lower PTSD risk (β = -0.20, p < 0.01) and fewer depression symptoms (β = -0.15, p < 0.05). Higher income was associated with lower depression scores (β = -0.20, p < 0.01) and fewer PTSD symptoms (β = -0.15, p < 0.05). Age positively correlated with well-being (r = 0.68, p < 0.001) and negatively with PTSD symptoms (r = -0.15, p < 0.05). Comparisons with victim studies of major earthquakes, such as the 1995 Great Hanshin-Awaji earthquake, the 1999 Marmara earthquake, the 2008 Wenchuan earthquake, and the 2000 Iceland earthquakes, revealed similar profound psychological impacts. This highlights the need for comprehensive mental health interventions for both direct and indirect exposures. This study underscores the necessity for inclusive mental health strategies to enhance resilience and well-being, ensuring robust recovery after catastrophic events. Competing Interest Statement The authors have declared no competing interest. Funding Statement The author(s) received no specific funding for this work. Author Declarations I confirm all relevant ethical guidelines have been followed, and any necessary IRB and/or ethics committee approvals have been obtained. Yes The details of the IRB/oversight body that provided approval or exemption for the research described are given below: This study was conducted in accordance with the ethical standards of the Istanbul Nişantaşı University Ethics Committee (Approval Number: 2024/02). All participants provided informed consent prior to participation. The study adhered to the principles outlined in the Declaration of Helsinki, ensuring the confidentiality and anonymity of participant data. Participants were informed of their right to withdraw from the study at any time without any negative consequences. I confirm that all necessary patient/participant consent has been obtained and the appropriate institutional forms have been archived, and that any patient/participant/sample identifiers included were not known to anyone (e.g., hospital staff, patients or participants themselves) outside the research group so cannot be used to identify individuals. Yes I understand that all clinical trials and any other prospective interventional studies must be registered with an ICMJE-approved registry, such as ClinicalTrials.gov. I confirm that any such study reported in the manuscript has been registered and the trial registration ID is provided (note: if posting a prospective study registered retrospectively, please provide a statement in the trial ID field explaining why the study was not registered in advance). Yes I have followed all appropriate research reporting guidelines, such as any relevant EQUATOR Network research reporting checklist(s) and other pertinent material, if applicable. Yes Data Availability https://figshare.com/s/23cf21b898e522a5bb07