Determination of Post-Earthquake Trauma Level and Investigation of the Relationship with Physical Activity Status

Abstract

Purpose: This study aims to examine the relationship between trauma levels caused by the February 6, 2023, Pazarc & imath;k-Elbistan earthquakes and individuals' physical activity status. It also aims to assess the presence of post-earthquake pain and its relationship with trauma levels. Methods: The data were collected via Google Forms and completed by 388 voluntary participants (299 female, 89 male) aged 18-65 years. In the study, the "Sociodemographic Form" was used to determine the general characteristics, the "Scale for Determining the Level of Post-Earthquake Trauma" (PETLDS) was used to determine the level of trauma, and the "International Physical Activity Questionnaire Short Form" (IPAQ-SF) was used to determine the physical activity status. Results: A significant difference was found in PETLDS scores based on residence in the earthquake-affected region (p<0.001); individuals in the region had higher scores (57.66 +/- 19.87) than those outside (49.00 +/- 18.49). Spearman's correlation analysis showed a weak negative correlation without statistical significance between the "Cognitive Restructuring" subscale and IPAQ-SF scores in individuals from the earthquake zone (Spearman's rank correlation coefficient =-0.18, p=0.042). Additionally, those who experienced post-earthquake pain had higher PETLDS scores than those who did not (p=0.000). Conclusion: This study found a negative relationship between post-earthquake trauma levels and physical activity. While inactive individuals had higher trauma levels, minimally active individuals showed lower trauma levels. These findings suggest that increasing physical activity after an earthquake may be an effective strategy for reducing trauma levels. Further research, education, and project-based initiatives are needed in this field.