The Relationship Between Post-earthquake Trauma Levels and Sleep Quality in University Students: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to examine the relationship between the level of trauma experienced after the earthquake and sleep. Method: In this cross-sectional study, data were collected from 773 nursing students studying at two state universities located at the earthquake-affected provinces. Post-Earthquake Trauma Level Determination Scale, and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index were used in the study. Results: The average score on the Post-Earthquake Trauma Level Determination Scale was 56,81 +/- 17,68 for female students and 50.84 +/- 16.98 for male students (p<0.001). The students who had a history of a psychiatric disorder, whose houses were severely damaged and whose relatives were trapped under rubble were more affected by the earthquake (p<0.001). It was found that the students with low income, heavily damaged residences, and whose relatives were trapped under rubble had worse sleep quality (p<0.001). A weak positive correlation was determined between the Post-Earthquake Trauma Level Determination Scale and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (r=0.444, p<0.001). Conclusion: In this study, it was revealed that female students, who were trapped under the rubble and whose houses were heavily damaged, were greatly affected by the earthquake. These students should be identified by school administrations and receive psychological support. Their trauma levels and sleep qualities should also be assessed following the earthquake.