From the University Agenda

Assoc. Prof. Hatice Merve Bayram's research was published in the international scientific journal!

Within the scope of TUBITAK 2209-A University Students Research Projects Support Program, the scientific research titled "Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Sleep Problems and Nutritional Status after 7.8 and 7.5 Magnitude Earthquakes in Kahramanmaraş Province: A Cross-Sectional Study" conducted by Assoc. Prof. Hatice Merve Bayram, from Istanbul Gelisim University (IGU) Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, was published in the "Online Turkish Journal of Health Sciences".

The study, which revealed the psychological and physiological effects of the Kahramanmaraş-based earthquakes on survivors on February 6, 2023, was carried out with 201 adult earthquake victims. The research draws attention to the need for post-earthquake support services by comprehensively addressing the long-term health effects of the disaster on individuals.
 
Post-traumatic mental health and sleep disorders are common

According to the striking findings of the study, 58.3% of the participants exhibit severe post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms, while 11.9% exhibit very severe post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms. In addition, it was determined that 51.2% experienced very severe anxiety and 75.6% suffered from insomnia. The study highlights the need to strengthen psychological support mechanisms by revealing the strong link between PTSD, anxiety, and sleep problems.
 
Significant changes in nutrition and body weight after an earthquake

Another remarkable point in the study was the significant change in the body weights of earthquake victims. When the pre-earthquake and post-earthquake body weights were compared, a statistically significant decrease was detected. This result shows that disasters have significant effects not only on mental health, but also on nutritional status and physical health.
 
Post-disaster public health services should be strengthened

This important study, which resonates in the international scientific world, reveals that the access of earthquake victims to health services should be increased and psychosocial support mechanisms should be strengthened. This comprehensive research, which sheds light on post-disaster health policies, is a critical scientific resource in terms of understanding the long-term effects of earthquakes on individuals and planning the necessary interventions.