Effects of Perceived Trauma Levels of Women at Reproductive Age after Earthquakes on Their Menstruation Cycle

The purpose of this study is to determine the effects of the perceived trauma levels of women at reproductive age after earthquakes on their menstruation cycle.

This descriptive and correlational study was conducted between March 17, 2023, and April 17, 2023, after the earthquakes that happened in Turkey on February 6, 2023 and affected 11 cities. The study was conducted with 355 women. Data were collected using an online questionnaire form prepared via Google Forms. Data collection was performed using a Participant Information Form and the Post-Earthquake Trauma Level Determination Scale.

According to the multiple regression analysis results, the significant predictors of perceived trauma levels after the earthquakes included the severity of dysmenorrhea (β-coefficient = 0.164, P = .007), characteristics of vaginal discharge (β-coefficient = 0.136, P = .027), and itching in the perineum (β-coefficient = -0.220, P = .001). These variables explained 12.4% of the total variance in the perceived trauma levels of the participants.

The perceived trauma levels of women after the earthquakes had significant effects on the severity of dysmenorrhea, characteristics of vaginal discharge, and itching in the perineum. Health professionals should not overlook the effects of women's perceived trauma levels on their menstruation cycles after earthquakes and evaluate the issue considering these aspects.