Predictors of psychological distress in survivors of the 1999 earthquakes in Turkey: effects of relocation after the disaster.
OBJECTIVE
Relocations after disasters are known to cause added distress in survivors. This study examined the effects of migration and other factors on psychological status of survivors 4 years after the two severe earthquakes in Turkey.


METHODS
Five hundred and twenty-six adult survivors of the 1999 earthquakes currently living in Ankara were given self-report measures assessing traumatic stress, depression, earthquake experience and social support.


RESULTS
The rates of current post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression were 25% and 11%, respectively. Although both traumatic stress and depression factors were predicted by some demographic and trauma severity variables, relocation status predicted depression but not traumatic stress.


CONCLUSIONS
The rates of psychological distress were higher than expected in a city considered to be safe in terms of earthquake risk. Relocation after the disaster may increase psychological distress by disrupting the social network.
Kiliç
C
C
Department of Psychiatry, Izzet Baysal Medical School, Abant Izzet Baysal University, Bolu, Turkey. cengiz.kilic@superonline.com
Aydin
I
I
Taşkintuna
N
N
Ozçürümez
G
G
Kurt
G
G
Eren
E
E
Lale
T
T
Ozel
S
S
Zileli
L
L
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003865:Major Depressive Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology; D004190:Disasters; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008403:Mass Screening; D008875:Middle Aged; D011157:Population Dynamics; D012307:Risk Factors; D012944:Social Support; D013223:Statistics as Topic; D013313:Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000150:complications; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D017741:Survivors / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D014421:Turkey; D014505:Urban Population