Determination of Health Needs of Earthquake Victims With Non-Communicable Diseases

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to determine the health needs of individuals with non-communicable diseases affected by earthquakes. Methods: The study employed a descriptive and cross-sectional design and was conducted in 3 of the 11 provinces affected by the February 6, 2023 earthquakes. Data were obtained using an introductory information form and a health needs information form. Percentages, averages, McNemar's test, and classification and regression tree algorithm for decision tree analysis were used to evaluate the data. Results: Among the participants, 34.87% had hypertension, 27.95% had diabetes, and 14.12% had asthma. Compared to the pre-earthquake period, the participants' needs for medication, transportation to hospital, disease-specific nutrition, and social support significantly increased after the earthquake (P<0.05). This study revealed that participants with faced challenges in accessing the medicines, hospitals, medical devices, and disease-specific nutrition required for disease management during the early post-earthquake period, experiencing delays or no access. Among the identified health needs, participants with hypertension and diabetes require access to healthy nutrition, while those with asthma have a heightened need for clean air. Conclusions: Conducting health screenings in tent cities without requiring individual attendance at health tents and promptly identifying and addressing health needs in the early period are strongly recommended.