Evaluation of Psychosocial Conditions of Dentistry Students After the Earthquake

Authors : Saniye Merve Cengiz, Gökhan Türker, S. Kutalmış Büyük, Feridun Abay

Pages : 382-391

Doi:10.34108/eujhs.1661004

View : 85 | Download : 137

Publication Date : 2025-12-30

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :This study aimed to evaluate the psychosocial conditions of dentistry students after the earthquake that struck Türkiye on February 6, 2023, affecting eleven provinces and approximately 15 million people. The research investigated the disaster\\\'s impact on students’ mental health and its potential implications for academic performance. A total of 405 clinical dentistry students from both earthquake-affected and unaffected areas participated in the study. Participants were divided into two groups based on their earthquake exposure status. Data were collected via the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21) using an online questionnaire and analyzed using the Mann-Whitney U and independent t-tests. Results were considered statistically significant at a p-value of ≤0.05. A total of 405 students (243 females, 162 males, mean age: 23.15 ± 1.37 years) completed the questionnaire. Students in the earthquake-affected group exhibited significantly higher scores for depression (23.35), anxiety (17.40), and stress (19.72) compared to those in the unaffected group (p 0.05). These findings underscore the profound impact of natural disasters on students’ psychosocial well-being and highlight the urgent need for targeted mental health support initiatives. Investigating the psychosocial conditions of dentistry students may become increasingly relevant for their well-being during times of crisis such as natural disasters.
Keywords : Anksiyete, diş hekimliği öğrencileri, depresyon, deprem, stres

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