The relationship between menstrual cycle pattern and post-traumatic stress in women following the 2023 earthquake in Turkey

Aim

In the aftermath of natural disasters, understanding the intricate links between mental health and physiological responses, such as menstrual cycle patterns, becomes crucial. This study explores the relationship between post-traumatic stress and menstrual irregularities among women of reproductive age residing in regions affected by the 2023 earthquake in Turkey.

Methods

309 women of reproductive age living in 11 provinces affected by the earthquake centered in Kahramanmaraş on February 6, 2023 and declared as disaster areas constituted the study sample. Data were collected online using Google forms nine months after the earthquake. The collected data were obtained using the Participant Information Form, Impact of Events Scale and Post-traumatic Stress Disorder-Short Form. In the data analysis, descriptive statistics such as count, percentage, median, minimum, and maximum were used, along with statistical tests including the Mann–Whitney U test, chi-squared test, multiple logistic regression analysis, and ROC analysis.

Results

In the study, an increase in menstrual irregularities among women was observed following the earthquake (%14.3 to %44.8, p < .001). Risk factors for menstrual irregularities included post-traumatic stress symptoms, comorbid chronic diseases, and smoking. The prevalence of PTSD was found to be 22.7% and this was associated with women with menstrual irregularities. Setting the cut-off score of the IES-R scale at 45.50 resulted in higher sensitivity for detecting irregular menstrual cycles.

Conclusions

Women's menstrual cycles are affected after an earthquake. Therefore, post-earthquake mental health recovery programs should specifically address the protection of women's physical and mental health. This comprehensive approach can reduce the effects of earthquake-induced stress and trauma.