Comparison of post-earthquake trauma and anxiety levels of intensive care unit nurses and inpatient unit nurses: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to assess and compare post-earthquake trauma and anxiety in intensive care unit (ICU) and inpatient unit nurses after the Kahramanmaraş earthquake in February 2023 at Dicle University Hospital in Diyarbakır, Türkiye. Method: This cross-sectional study was conducted from July 1 to 31, 2023, with 244 nurses (89 ICU and 155 inpatient unit). A sociodemographic form, the Post-Earthquake Trauma Level Determination Scale (PETLDS), and the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) were administered. Statistical analyses included the chi-square test, t test, Mann-Whitney U test, and Spearman correlation test. Results: In this study, 12.3% of all participants exhibited moderate anxiety and 13.9% displayed severe trauma. The mean scores and subscales of the PETLDS did not differ significantly between the two groups (inpatient: 48.2 ± 20.0 vs ICU: 45.6 ± 18.0; p > 0.05). Also, no statistically significant differences were found in the anxiety levels measured using the BAI according to the type of unit (p > 0.05). However, both groups presented notable proportions of psychological symptomatology. Conclusion: Both ICU and inpatient unit nurses experienced comparable and considerable levels of post-disaster trauma and anxiety. The findings underscore the need to integrate psychological support programs and resilience strategies for healthcare personnel working during and in the aftermath of disasters.