Health services use for earthquake-related psychological problems: Results from the 1999 earthquakes in Turkey

Objective: Although psychological disorders after traumas are associated with increased rates of services use, the majority of traumatized people do not receive psychological help. This study reports on the health services use of the survivors of the 1999 earthquake in Turkey. Method: A random sample of 2007 survivors was assessed in two sites, using self-report measures of traumatic stress, depression and use of health services. Results: Less than half (42%) of those with a post-earthquake psychological problem (13.7% of the total sample) reported contacting services after the earthquake. Health services use for psychological problems was predicted by past psychiatric illness, depressive complaints after the earthquake and material loss, but not by demographic variables or traumatic stress symptoms. Conclusion: The results show that earthquake survivors who need treatment might not be receiving it. They also show the importance of outreach programs in post-disaster circumstances.