The Relationship of Postearthquake Trauma With Risk Perception and Substance Use in Southeast Turkey

The purpose of this research was to explore how trauma resulting from earthquakes, individuals' perceptions of risk, and the use of alcohol, tobacco, and illegal substances are interconnected in the southeastern region of Turkey.

This cross-sectional research was carried out between October and December 2023 in 11 provinces affected by in the Southeastern Anatolia Region of Turkey. Earthquake risk perception by participants' characteristics related to addictive substance use were compared.

Significant differences were found between participants' reasons for substance use and their earthquake risk perception and post-traumatic stress levels. Those who used substances due to sadness and distress had higher emotional earthquake risk perception (p <.05, η² = 0.018), post-traumatic stress total scores, and behavioral problems (p <.05, η² = 0.019), emotion limitation (p <.05, η² = 0.022), and sleep disturbance (p <.05, η² = 0.019). A significant difference was also observed between the type of substance first used and post-traumatic stress, with amphetamine users scoring higher than marijuana users (p <.05, η² = 0.013). Furthermore, participants who increased their substance use after the earthquake had increased levels of excitement restriction (p <.05, η² = 0.012) and sleep disturbance (p <.05, η² = 0.011).

These findings highlight the role of addiction and mental health nurses in identifying at-risk individuals and providing trauma-sensitive care after disasters. Incorporating addiction nursing approaches into disaster protocols can improve health outcomes and reduce maladaptive coping.