Effects of Earthquake Fear and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder on Patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome after a Major Earthquake in Türkiye: A Multicenter Study

Abstract

Background/Aims: On February 6, 2023, 2 devastating earthquakes struck south-eastern Türkiye, causing over 100 000 injuries and more than 50 000 deaths. This study aimed to investigate the impact of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and fear of earthquake on the severity of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptoms and IBS-related quality of life (IBS-QoL).

Materials and Methods: Participants diagnosed with IBS were categorized into 2 groups: those residing in earthquake zones and those in non-earthquake zones. Data regarding demographic characteristics, IBS Symptom Severity Scale (IBS-SSS), IBS-QoL, Post-traumatic Stress Disorder Checklist for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-5th edition (PCL-5), and Fear of Earthquake Scale (FES) were collected through validated questionnaires. Multivariate analyses, multiple linear regression, and elastic net (EL) models were performed to identify predictors of IBS-SSS and IBS-QoL scores.

Results: A total of 225 IBS patients were included, with 117 (52%) from earthquake zones and 108 (48%) from non-earthquake zones. Mean IBS-SSS, IBS-QoL, FES, and PCL-5 scores were significantly higher in the earthquake group compared to the non-earthquake group (249 vs. 141; 44.1 vs. 22.8; 20 vs. 9; 47 vs. 28, respectively; P < .001 for all). The PCL-5 and FES scores were independent predictors of IBS-SSS (OR = 1.057, P < .001 and OR = 1.082, P = .019). In regression and EL models, PCL-5 (P < .001) was the strongest predictor (100%) and FES (P = .006) the second (38%) for IBS-QoL.

Conclusion: The PTSD and earthquake-related fear significantly impact IBS symptom severity and QoL. A holistic treatment approach addressing psychosomatic and mental health factors may improve outcomes in IBS patients.

Cite this article as: Cankurtaran RE, Karpuzcu HC, Ataman E, et al. Effects of earthquake fear and post-traumatic stress disorder on patients with irritable bowel syndrome after a major earthquake in Türkiye: A multicenter study. Turk J Gastroenterol. Published online January 5, 2026. doi: 10.5152/tjg.2026.25453.