Earthquake Victims Research Articles

Depression and life satisfaction after Kahramanmaraş earthquakes: The serial mediation roles of life meaning and coping with earthquake stress.

This study aims to examine the meaning of life, and the mediating effect of strategies for coping with earthquake stress in the relationship between depression, and life satisfaction in survivors of the 2023 Kahramanmaraş centered earthquakes. The participants of this study were 472 adults (31.1% male, 68.9% female; Mage = 24.52) who were affected by earthquakes. The data of the study were tested with the bootstrapping-based PROCESS macro program (Model-81). The results showed that depression negatively predicted life satisfaction. Meaning of life mediated the relationship between depression and life satisfaction. However, problem solving and cognitive avoidance coping strategies reduced the effects of depression and the meaning of life on life satisfaction. These results can be a resource for mental health services for earthquake victims. At the same time, the study provides evidence that protecting personal resources in disaster situations positively affects life satisfaction in terms of conservation of resources theory (COR).

Kahramanmaraş-Pazarcık Earthquake 2023: Characteristics of Patients Presented to the Emergency Department of a Tertiary Hospital Far from the Region and Infection Characteristics in Hospitalized Patients.

The aim of this study is to determine the demographic, clinical characteristics, and outcomes of the patients who applied to the emergency department (ED) of Akdeniz University Faculty of Medicine Hospital (Antalya, Türkiye) after the Kahramanmaraş-Pazarcık earthquake dated February 6, 2023, as earthquake victims were included in the study. The results of the study could be a guide in terms of emergency health services and the healthy management of disasters. The study included patients over the age of 18 who presented as earthquake victims to the ED of Akdeniz University Medical Faculty Hospital from February 6, 2023 through March 8, 2023. The demographic data of the patients, including age, gender, earthquake zone, time and manner of arrival to the ED, time under debris, length-of-stay (LOS) in the service and intensive care unit (ICU), infection rates, culture results, and mortality, were retrospectively analyzed using the hospital automation system. A total of 1,833 earthquake victims presented to the ED. Of these patients, 1,294 were adults and 539 were children. Services and the ICU admitted a total of 137 adult patients. In the first week, 414 (31.99%) of the patients presented to the ED, while 82 (59.85%) of the hospitalized patients were admitted.Hatay ranked first with 573 (44.28%) patients in the distribution of patients presented to the ED according to earthquake regions. In the distribution of hospitalized patients by earthquake regions, the patients requiring the most hospitalization were from the province of Hatay, with 68 (49.63%) patients.During hospital observations, the medical staff took 132 culture samples based on the positive clinic of the patient. The microorganisms detected in the culture studies were different from the flora of the hospital. The mortality at seven days was two (1.45%), and at the end of 30 days, the mortality was six (4.37%). The ED evaluated all affected cases, with most patients being brought by their relatives using their own means, and had low mortality rates despite presenting with fewer injuries. New environmental conditions that developed after the earthquake caused unexpected results, especially in terms of community-acquired agents.

Establishment of a post-disaster healthcare information booklet for the Turkey–Syrian earthquake, based on past disasters

The scientific evidence based on experiences with past disasters points to the possibility of the occurrence of future mental health issues among those who were affected by the recent Turkey–Syria earthquake. However, post-disaster care information on factors that could give rise to mental health issues among those affected have yet to be provided. In March 2011, Tohoku University compiled and published a booklet with post-disaster healthcare information based on the experiences with the Great East Japan Earthquake. This study aimed to promote the introduction and use of this booklet for post-disaster care in Turkey and Syria by presenting the results of a satisfaction survey conducted with relevant Japanese organizations about the booklet. A total of 505 Japanese organizations participated in the satisfaction survey of, and evaluated, the booklet. The results indicated the need to consider the ease of understanding for the general public when providing information on post-disaster care through booklets. We hope that this study leads to the appropriate provision of easy-to-understand, post-disaster healthcare information to the victims of the Turkey–Syria earthquake and future disasters.

Machine Learning Based a Comparative Analysis for Detecting Tweets of Earthquake Victims Asking for Help in The 2023 Turkey-Syria Earthquake

Two major earthquakes in Kahramanmaraş on February 6, 2023, 9 hours apart, affected many countries, especially Turkey and Syria. It caused the death and injury of thousands of people. Earthquake survivors shared their help on social media after the earthquake. While people under the rubble shared some posts, some were for living materials. There were also posts unrelated to the earthquake. It is essential to analyze social media shares to plan the process management effectively, save time, and reach the victims as soon as possible. For this reason, about 500 tweets about the 2023 Turkey-Syria earthquake were analyzed in this study. The tweets were classified according to their content as user tweets under debris and user tweets requesting life material. Popular machine learning methods such as DT, kNN, LR, MNB, RF, SVM, and XGBoost were compared in detail. Experimental results showed that RF has over 99% classification accuracy.

Analysis of the aeromedical evacuation of victims from the Syria-Turkey earthquake in 2023

A major earthquake occurred in Syria and Turkey on the 6th of February 2023. As part of the humanitarian response, the Royal Netherlands Air Force (RNAF) team was tasked to evacuate earthquake victims from the Kahramanmaraş region in Turkey. The aim of this study was to analyze the demographic characteristics and medical conditions of the earthquake victims who were transported during the aeromedical evacuation by RNAF C130 aircraft in February 2023. We retrospectively analyzed the transport records and other documents relating to 247 earthquake victims, 98 of whom were patients, including demographic data, symptoms, diagnoses, injury areas and survival. The mean age of the earthquake victims transported was 43.13 ± 19 years, the youngest passenger was 14 months-of-age and the oldest was 90 years-of-age. Of these, 98 (39.7%) were patients, 118 (47.8%) were relatives of patients, and 31 (12.6%) were health care and military personnel who were being relocated from the region. The majority of the transported patients (n = 72, 73.5%) had extremity injuries. The most frequent intervention applied to the patients was analgesia (n = 111, 11.2%). No deaths occurred during transfer and for the following three-month period. This study, the first from Turkey, analyzed the aeromedical evacuation of victims from the 2023 earthquake in Syria and Turkey. In order to prepare for aeromedical evacuation flights in the future, training exercises should be conducted, a communication plan should be developed, an in-flight patient placement plan should be prepared, and a special team of personnel should be formed.

Anesthetic approach to trauma patients in the city hospital after the 2023 Maraş earthquake.

The February 6, 2023, Kahramanmaraş earthquake caused significant destruction across our country. More than 50,000 people lost their lives, thousands were injured, and health facilities were damaged. Victims were transferred to hospitals in other provinces for treatment. This study evaluates the anesthesia approach applied to the injured who were transferred to our tertiary hospital. We retrospectively reviewed the data of patients who underwent surgery between February 6 and February 20, 2023. The study included earthquake victims who underwent emergency trauma surgery, aged 10 years and above. We recorded the date of admission to the hospital, demographic information, type of surgery, surgical site, anesthesia technique, preference for peripheral block, laboratory values, dialysis and intensive care needs, and survival rates. Data analysis was performed using the IBM® Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS®) Version 26.0. A total of 375 cases were included in the study. Of these, 323 patients underwent surgery for extremity injuries, and 35 for vertebral injuries. Among the extremity injuries, 61.6% were to the lower extremities, and 17.1% to the upper extremities. Debridement was performed on 147 patients, fasciotomy on 49 patients, and amputation on 33 patients. General anesthesia was applied to 352 patients, spinal anesthesia to 19 patients, and sedoanalgesia to four patients. Peripheral nerve block was performed on 33 patients. Dialysis treatment was administered to 105 patients. Twenty-six patients were lost during the treatment process. There were no intraoperative patient deaths. The predominance of extremity injuries among earthquake victims increases the inclination towards regional anesthesia. Incorporating Plan A blocks into basic anesthesia skills could enhance the preference for regional anesthesia in disaster situations. Furthermore, transferring the injured to advanced centers may reduce morbidity.

Evaluation of post-earthquake fractures according to anatomical body parts: A retrospective study

Bone fractures that occur in earthquakes threaten human life. The study aims to localize the fractures in earthquake victims according to anatomical regions in the earthquake centered in Kahramanmaraş 2023. The study included 137 patients aged between 1-90 years diagnosed with fractures by an orthopedic physician. Radiographs were taken of patients admitted to the emergency department after the earthquake. The fractures diagnosed patients were evaluated and classified in anatomical regions and fracture type. The fractures were observed in females with high rates of fragmented (49.6%) and s ingle fractures (75.9%). The fractures also occurred on the right side (58.4%), in the upper extremities (37.2%) and long bones (38.7%). In the specific anatomic region evaluation of fractures; high rates were observed in manus (19%), antebrachi (15.3%), crus (13.9%) and pes fractures (12.4%). In the region of the most common fragmentary fracture type (48.9%); omos (3%), brachium (1%), thorax (15%), viscerocranium (7%) and neurocranium (3%), in oblique fractures (25.5%); pes (26%), in transverse fractures (20.4%); antebrachi (21%), manus (32%) and vertebral column (4%), in spiral fractures; pelvis (14%), femur (14%) and crus (57%) region. We determined that fractures frequently occur on the right-side extremities and, besides sequentially high rates at manus, antebrachii, crus, and pes. We recommend providing information about the protection of these anatomical parts in the training given to people during the earthquake closure and post-earthquake panic times to reduce earthquake-related fractures.

Prof. Nevzat Tarhan: "Trauma disrupts the psychological integrity of a person"

Psychiatrist Prof. Nevzat Tarhan met with earthquake victims at the event organized by Hatay Mustafa Kemal University on the 1st anniversary of the great earthquake that occurred on February 6, 2023.

Use of hyperbaric oxygen therapy in severe earthquake injuries.

Earthquakes are natural disasters that can often cause severe injuries and traumatic situations. These injuries can include crush injuries, fractures, tissue damage, and blood circulation problems. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) has recently become a frequently used treatment modality for individuals suffering from severe injuries. HBOT is a form of treatment that involves administering pure oxygen to the patient under high pressure. This treatment aims to promote tissue healing by increasing cellular oxygenation. It is thought to have a positive effect on factors such as accelerating tissue healing, reducing inflammation, and controlling infection in severe post-earthquake injuries, particularly crush injuries. This study aimed to retrospectively evaluate the clinical effects, contributions to the healing process, and potential advantages of HBOT in 35 patients with severe injuries after the Kahramanmaraş earthquake that occurred on 06.02.2023 and to contribute to the development of emergency intervention strategies. This study was carried out after ethics committee approval. In the study, the data of patients with a MESS Score between 7-14 who were admitted as earthquake victims and treated in the HBOT Unit due to severe earthquake-related injuries were obtained from records and retrospectively analyzed. Demographic information, general distribution of patient data, mean values, number of HBOT sessions, and functional outcomes were recorded. The gender distribution of the 35 patients who received HBOT was 31.4% male and 68.6% female. 45.7% of patients were aged 18 years or younger, and 54.3% were aged 19 years or older. The most common injuries in the treated patients were observed in the lower extremities. After HBOT, sensory recovery (54.3%) and functional recovery (51.4%) were achieved in the majority of patients. The minor amputation rate was 20.0% and the major amputation rate was 11.4% after HBOT. This study evaluated the possible effects of HBOT on patients with severe earthquake injuries in Türkiye, and the results showed that HBOT may have a beneficial effect on critical factors such as sensory recovery, functional recovery, and amputation rates in this particular group of patients, and that this benefit may be more pronounced in those who started treatment early.

Assessment of Nutritional Composition of Turkish Red Crescent Menus After the M7.8 and M7.6 Earthquakes in Kahramanmaraş, Türkiye.

This study aims to evaluate the nutritional content and quality of the Turkish Red Crescent (TRC) menus delivered to earthquake victims after the 2023 earthquakes in Kahramanmaraş, Türkiye. The menus of general, search-rescue, diabetes, and celiac were obtained from the TRC following the magnitudes of 7.8 and 7.6 Kahramanmaraş earthquakes. The nutrient content of the menus was evaluated with the Nutrient Rich Food (NRF20.3) score. In addition, the menus' energy, macronutrient, and micronutrient contents were compared with the dietary reference intake values of the Türkiye Dietary Guideline-2022, European Food Safety Authority, and Food and Drug Administration. The general menu was insufficient to meet the daily requirements of vitamin D, vitamin K, vitamin C, calcium, and potassium for earthquake victims. The sodium, phosphorous, and omega-6/omega-3 ratios were much higher than the recommended intakes. The NRF20.3 score of the diabetes menu was significantly higher than the search-rescue and celiac menus (P < 0.05). The energy content of the search-rescue menu was significantly higher than that of other menus (P < 0.05). The several nutritional risks were determined in TRC menus for earthquake victims who suffered from the Kahramanmaraş earthquakes. Several supplementation programs can be applied to the earthquake regions to obtain strength immunity and effectively challenge posttraumatic stress symptoms.

Pediatric Wound Infections Following 2023 Kahramanmaras Earthquakes: Case Series

Background. The Kahramanmaras earthquakes in Turkey on February 6, 2023, resulted in more than 100 000 injuries and 50 500 deaths. The main causes of morbidity and mortality in earthquake-affected patients include crush syndrome, trauma-related extremity injuries, and wound infections. Objective. To investigate infective complications, causative microorganisms, treatments, and treatment responses in pediatric patients. Methods. The case series involved 12 earthquake victims admitted to a tertiary treatment center between February 9 and 24, 2023. Wound sample cultures were obtained from patients with infected wounds via wound secretions and tissue samples collected during surgery. Results. Nine patients were male (75%), and the mean age of patients was 12.6 ± 3.7 years. Seven patients (58.3%) experienced crush syndrome. Seven patients (58.3%) underwent fasciotomy operations. The main infectious complications were wound infections (58.3%) and urinary tract infections (25%). Nine different organisms were found to cause wound infection, with Enterococcus faecium (41.6%), Acinetobacter baumanii (33.3%), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (16.6%) being the major bacterial isolates. All Acinetobacter strains were multidrug-resistant (MDR). Conclusion. Major disasters such as earthquakes are rare, and infections are the major complications that increase morbidity and mortality. Initial appropriate treatment contributes to improved outcomes, as MDR strains are common pathogens in these patients.

Evaluation of Incoming Messages to WhatsApp Communication Network Created by Volunteers in Major Disasters: The Case of Turkey Earthquake.

This research was conducted in order to assess the 1-week aid needs determined by the health professional who voluntarily served in the WhatsApp communication network during the earthquakes in Kahramanmaraş, Turkey. This descriptive retrospective epidemiological study focuses on the 1-week messaging activities of the WhatsApp group created by volunteers after the earthquake in Turkey. During the 7-day period included in the research, a total of 5813 messages were sent. 3472 of these messages were not included in the research for various reasons, and a total of 2341 messages were used for the research. In all 7 days, it was seen that most of the messages were sent via text message and that voice messages were very few. When the distribution of the needs demanded by the earthquake victims for 7 days was examined, it was seen that there was a significant increase in the needs on the fourth day after the earthquake, and that the highest increase was the need for tents. While the demands for rescue services increased in the first 2 days, it was determined that the demands for water especially, dry food, and tents increased from the third day onwards. It is suggested that a professional online infrastructure system should be created to enable the transfer of instant scene and need information that can be activated in such disasters.

Assessing Patient Demographics and Emergency Response Adaptation in a Primary-Level State Hospital Following the 6 February Türkiye Earthquakes

Aim: On 6 February 2023, a series of earthquakes with magnitudes of 7.8, 6.6, and 7.6 struck the south-eastern region of Türkiye within a span of 10 hours, starting from 04:00 am. These earthquakes resulted in a devastating loss of life, with casualties exceeding 50,000 across 10 provinces. The destruction caused by these earthquakes was widespread with the collapse of many buildings, including hospitals. This study aimed to assess the patient demographics and emergency response adaptation in a primary-level state hospital following the 6 February Türkiye earthquakes. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted at the Reyhanlı State Hospital, which remained largely unaffected by the earthquakes. The hospital faced challenges in providing medical care due to the loss of staff, damaged infrastructure, and limited resources. A volunteer orthopaedic surgery team, along with other medical professionals, provided treatment to the earthquake victims. The patient data was collected from the conventional record book of the operating room. Results: From 6 to 12 February 2023, a total of 111 surgeries were performed at the hospital, with 92 (%83) being earthquake-related. Orthopaedic surgeons operated on most of the patients. The most common surgeries included fasciotomies, amputations, and fracture fixations. The surgeries were performed in a time-sensitive manner, with immediate life- and extremity-saving procedures prioritized. The hospital's infrastructure challenges and the lack of digital recording systems hampered the data collection process. Conclusion: The study highlights challenges faced by a primary-level Hospital during the earthquakes. Our indings stress the importance of preparedness, infrastructure, and efficient patient records for effective emergency healthcare during natural disasters. Lessons learned can aid future plans for better emergency medical care in earthquake-prone regions.

Approach to Earthquake Victims at Emergency Services: A Review and Analysis of Current Practices

Approach to Earthquake Victims at Emergency Services: A Review and Analysis of Current Practices

Organization of Health Services for Earthquake Victims in the Area

Organization of Health Services for Earthquake Victims in the Area

Treatment and Follow-up for Earthquake Victims in the Intensive Care Unit

Treatment and Follow-up for Earthquake Victims in the Intensive Care Unit

Communication of Community Organizations (Ormas) in Mitigating Earthquake Victims in Cianjur

The location of the epicenter of the earthquake is located on land in the Cianjur Regency, West Java Province. According to geographical data, Cianjur Regency is located at coordinates 1060 42' - 1070 25' East Longitude and 60 21' - 7 0 25' South Latitude, with an area of 361,434.98 hectares. The existence of the Cugenang Fault fault triggered this earthquake because it is an active fault, so it is prone to shifts. This causes the area traversed by the Cugenang Fault to become a dangerous zone for the establishment of permanent buildings. This study shows that the damage in the Cianjur Regency area was caused by the quality of the buildings, asymmetrical construction structures and the selection of poor quality construction materials.

Orthopaedic Triage and Management of Earthquake Victims

Orthopaedic Triage and Management of Earthquake Victims

Pemberian Bantuan Untuk Warga dan Trauma Healing Bagi Anak-Anak Korban Bencana Gempa Bumi Cianjur

The community service activities carried out were the provision of basic food assistance, treatment to community members and trauma healing for children of Cianjur earthquake victims. This activity is a form of concern for the STIE Kalpataru academic community for the disaster that occurred, namely the earthquake in Cianjur in November 2022. This activity involved all elements of both leaders, lecturers, staff and students on the STIE Kalpataru campus, both as donors and those who took direct action to the disaster site. It is hoped that the action carried out by the STIE Kalpataru academic community can slightly ease the burden on the affected community, and can restore their spiritual mentality to be able to rise again.

The Analysis of Earthquake Victims with Thoracic Trauma: Kahramanmaraş Earthquake

The Analysis of Earthquake Victims with Thoracic Trauma: Kahramanmaraş Earthquake