Earthquake-Related Anxiety and Earthquake Preparedness Plans of Medicine Students

Earthquakes are a significant natural disaster, particularly in regions where they occur frequently. Their psychological impact can lead to heightened anxiety, especially among individuals living in earthquake-prone areas. This study investigates the anxiety levels and preparedness behaviors of medical students who face unique stressors due to their future roles as healthcare providers.

This cross-sectional study was conducted with 152 6th-term medical students at Marmara University Faculty of Medicine. Data were collected through a survey that included sociodemographic questions, the Beck Anxiety Inventory, and earthquake preparedness measures based on AFAD (Disaster and Emergency Management Authority) recommendations. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS v25 (IBM SPSS Corp.; Armonk, NY, USA), with a significance level of P < .05.

A significant portion (66.9%) of the students reported severe anxiety, while 33.1% showed moderate anxiety. There was no significant difference between genders in anxiety levels. However, women exhibited higher preparedness levels across various items compared to men. Previous earthquake experience was significantly linked to increased preparedness behaviors. Students who had experienced displacement due to an earthquake showed significantly higher preparedness than those who had not.

Medical students at Marmara University displayed high levels of earthquake-related anxiety and inadequate preparedness. Factors such as prior earthquake experience and displacement influenced preparedness behaviors, while psychological support did not significantly affect anxiety levels. These findings highlight the need for enhanced disaster preparedness training and psychological support tailored to the unique challenges medical students face. Future research should explore broader populations and the long-term impacts of preparedness education.