Traumatic Stress and Coping Experiences of Health Professionals Working in Earthquake Zones: A Phenomenological Study

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to examine the traumatic stress and coping strategies of healthcare professionals who provided services during the earthquakes in Kahramanmaraş on February 6, employing a phenomenological approach. Method: The study, which utilized the phenomenological method, involved conducting semi-structured in-depth interviews face-to-face with 20 healthcare professionals who provided services during the February 6 Kahramanmaraş earthquakes. Researchers used the snowball sampling technique to recruit participants and continued interviews until no new information emerged. Researchers recorded and transcribed all interviews for analysis. They applied thematic analysis to the data, ensuring the study aligned with the COREQ checklist for reporting. Results: The data analysis revealed three main themes (thoughts and feelings about healthcare provision, the effects of the earthquake, and traumatic stress and coping experiences) along with eight sub-themes: thoughts, feelings, mental, physical, social, traumatic stress, effects, and coping. Conclusion: Healthcare professionals who provided services during the February 6 Kahramanmaraş earthquakes experienced significant psychosocial effects from the traumatic stress they faced. They encountered substantial difficulties in managing these stressors. The study advocates for implementing necessary measures and support systems to help healthcare professionals effectively cope with stress in disaster situations.