Earthquake From the Perspectives of Amputee Children and Their Parents/Caregivers: A Phenomenological Study

Abstract

Background

Earthquakes cause significant psychological and physical trauma in children, especially when leading to amputations, as they disrupt physical, emotional, and social well-being.

Aim

This study was conducted phenomenologically to explore the experiences of children amputated in the Kahramanmaraş earthquake and their parents/caregivers.

Method

This study was conducted as a phenomenological study with children who were amputated in the Kahramanmaraş earthquake and their parents/caregivers between August and October 2023. The sample of the study consisted of seven children and their parents/caregivers who met the inclusion criteria and volunteered to participate in the study through purposive sampling method. Data were collected through in-depth interviews using an introductory information form and a semistructured interview form developed by the researcher.

Results

It was found that 57.2% of the children who participated in our study were male and their mean age was 11.25 ± 4.02 years. It was found that all the children’s houses were destroyed in the earthquake, they were trapped under the debris, and they experienced losses in their family members and relatives. As a result of data analysis, nine themes were identified as apocalypse, pain, fear, and hopelessness for children and apocalypse, helplessness, pain, anger, and hopelessness for parents/caregivers.

Conclusions:

This study found that earthquake-affected amputee children perceived the earthquake as an apocalypse, experienced prolonged pain during hospitalization, continued to fear the earthquake, and felt hopeless about the future. The children’s parents/caregivers also reported that they perceived the earthquake as an apocalypse, that they felt helpless and hopeless for themselves and the children, and that the children had angry/irritable behavior with pain after the disaster.