Effects of Earthquake on Children's Mental Health and Nursing Care by Age Periods

Abstract

Children are among the most vulnerable groups in a mass trauma such as an earthquake. Earthquakes affect many children every year and can jeopardize or disrupt their future development. Disasters disrupt not only children's lives in the short term, but also their personal development. Children may be most at risk in an emergency event due to their level of psychological and behavioral development, physical size, and full or partial dependence on adults. After a disaster, the primary need of children is to feel that they and their relatives are safe. Children should be supported to tell what they experienced during and after the earthquake, but they should not be forced if they do not want to tell. Although children are one of the groups at risk in disasters, they can also take an active role in disaster management if given the opportunity. After the earthquake, children of different age groups are left alone as a result of losing their family members. Children with psychological problems should be approached according to their age and should be ensured that they are not left alone. The school environment can be used as a psychosocial support center for school children and adolescents. Psychological first aid principles can be applied at school. Children who are severely affected by the earthquake and whose behavioral changes do not improve in the early period should be referred to a child and adolescent psychiatrist. The disaster nurse has a potential role in applying Psychological first aid principles to children in disaster situations as a health professional responder and advocate for children's needs.