Psychological distress and subjective sleep quality after the Kahramanmaraş earthquakes

Abstract

Purpose

This study aimed to evaluate psychological distress and subjective sleep-related outcomes among individuals exposed to the Kahramanmaraş earthquakes.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional observational study comparing 68 earthquake survivors with 66 non-exposed controls. Participants’ levels of anxiety and depression, daytime sleepiness, sleep quality, post-traumatic stress, and risk of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) were assessed using validated Turkish versions of standardized questionnaires. Between-group comparisons were performed using nonparametric tests, followed by age-adjusted regression analyses.

Results

Earthquake survivors exhibited significantly higher anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress, and poorer subjective sleep quality (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index) compared with controls, and these associations remained significant after age adjustment (all p < 0.05). Daytime sleepiness (Epworth Sleepiness Scale) did not differ between groups. Although STOP-BANG scores differed in unadjusted analyses, this association was no longer significant after adjustment for age.

Conclusion

Earthquake exposure was associated with persistent psychological distress and impaired subjective sleep quality approximately one year after the disaster, independent of age differences. These findings underscore the importance of integrated mental health care and assessment of sleep complaints in disaster-affected populations, while highlighting the need for future studies incorporating objective sleep measures.