Examination of the Mental Health Status of University Students Directly or Indirectly Affected by the Earthquake

Abstract

Objective: This study examines the mental health status of university students directly affected by the earthquake in the disaster zone and those indirectly affected by being outside the earthquake zone during the Kahramanmaraş earthquake that struck Turkey on February 6, 2023. Methods: A total of 109 students from 37 universities in 24 cities participated. Data were collected using an online survey that included a Demographic Information Form, the Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R), the Earthquake Anxiety Scale, the DSM-5 PTSD checklist, and the Depression-Anxiety-Stress Scale-21. Mental health outcomes of directly and indirectly affected students were compared. Results: Students directly affected showed significantly higher levels of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, and earthquake-related anxiety. Among indirectly affected students, females reported higher IES-R, PTSD, and earthquake anxiety scores than males. Regression analysis identified factors such as earthquake exposure, loss of relatives, involvement in search and rescue, and relocation as linked to adverse mental health outcomes. Conclusion: Although students directly affected by the earthquake are at greater risk for PTSD, depression, and anxiety, both groups face significant mental health problems. As these effects may be ongoing rather than temporary, the role of occupational therapy in promoting occupational engagement and mental health in disaster management is noteworthy. © The Author(s) 2025