Earthquake Perceptions of the Older Adults and Suggestions for Crisis Management Based on the İzmir Earthquake Experience: Qualitative Case Study
Makaleler > Tam Makale · 2026
Yazarlar: Dilek DORUK KONDAKCI, Ayşe Gülay ŞAHAN, Aslı KILAVUZ
Turkiye Klinikleri Journal of Health Sciences, Uluslararası, 2026, cilt 11, ss 557-566
DOI: 10.5336/jgeront.2024-106867
Özet
Objective: This study aims to determine the earthquake perceptions of older adults who experienced İzmir earthquake and their suggestions on what to do before, during, and after the earthquake. Material and Methods: The study was conducted with aged 65 and over individuals who applied to the Geriatrics Outpatient Clinic of Ege University Faculty of Medicine Hospital, and experienced the İzmir earthquake on October 30, 2020. The research is an explanatory/descriptive case study from qualitative research designs. The study group was determined using convenience sampling and criterion sampling methods. Data were obtained using a personal information form and a semi-structured interview form. Descriptive analysis and content analysis methods were used to analyze the data obtained in this study. The codes related to the findings were grouped under the relevant themes, visualized, interpreted, and exemplified with direct quotations. Results: The majority of the 25 participants (36%) were between the ages of 71-76 and 56% were women. As a result of the research, it was determined that the most fear and panic were experienced during and after the earthquake, earthquake news caused the most sadness, and the most anxiety about the earthquake was the anxiety of experiencing a more severe earthquake. In this study, it was determined that the participants concentrated on the suggestions that earthquake kits should be prepared before the earthquake, life triangle should be sheltered during the earthquake and economic problems should be solved after the earthquake. Conclusion: Identifying older adults' experiences, concerns, and suggestions regarding earthquakes can help develop age-appropriate strategies to better address their needs in future disasters.