Factors associated with posttraumatic stress disorder in adolescents experiencing earthquake trauma

Abstract

Introduction Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a prevalent psychological response among those who survive earthquakes. Objective This study investigates the relationships between sociodemographic and clinical differences and symptoms of avoidance, re-experiencing, and hyperarousal, which are key indicators of PTSD in adolescents. Method Research data were collected through online surveys using a simple random sampling method. The sample group consisted of 178 adolescents who met the inclusion criteria. Data were collected using the Personal Information Form (PIF) and the Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms Scale-Self-Report Scale (PSS-SR) for Children. Results Of the participants, 77% were female, with a mean age of 16.99. A total of 84.3% lived with their families. The rate of those trapped under debris during the earthquake was 97.2%. During the earthquake, 84.8% of adolescents were injured, and 25.8% lost a family member due to the earthquake. Female participants showed significantly higher total trauma, re-experiencing, and hyperarousal scores than males (p<0.05). Those physically injured during the earthquake had significantly lower total trauma and avoidance scores compared to those not injured (p<0.05). Participants who lost a family member during the earthquake had significantly lower total trauma, re-experiencing, and hyperarousal scores compared to those who did not lose a family member (p<0.05). Conclusion Females exhibited more PTSD symptoms compared to males. Those not injured or who did not lose a family member during the earthquake showed more PTSD symptoms than those who experienced injury or loss.