Data analysis
The sample size for the analysis was 51 and this number was
used for all analyses presented. The frequencies of demographics
were first obtained and compared by intervention
groups using the chi-squared test to evaluate the homogeneity
of the groups; correlation analysis was then performed
to evaluate the relationships between the PTSD symptoms
and coping strategies; paired samples t-test was used
following the intervention to evaluate the difference between
pretests and post-tests in each intervention group; the
effectiveness of the intervention approaches was evaluated
with the univariate analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) by
controlling pretests and multiple linear regression analysis
was used to explain the effect of coping strategies on PTSD
and depression scores.
Results
Characteristics of the patients and the traumatic
experience
The mean age of the participants was 32Æ7 (SD ¼ 12Æ7); none
of participants was using any treatment when they participated
in the study. The demographic characteristics of the
participants are presented in Table 1.
The factors related to trauma severity and contributing to
the symptomatology following the earthquake were as
follows: 29Æ4% (n ¼ 15) of the participants had been trapped
under rubble, 31Æ4% (n ¼ 16) had a physical injury, 70Æ6%
(n ¼ 36) had experienced loss of at least one acquaintance
because of the earthquake and 45Æ1% (n ¼ 23) reported
ongoing financial difficulties after the earthquake. Thirtyeight
of the participants (74Æ5%) reported that they had
received insufficient social support after the earthquake.
These answers were based on the participant’s view.
There was no statistically significant difference among the
three intervention groups when compared for participant
characteristics except for education levels, having experienced
loss and perceived economic distress. In addition, there
was no difference among the groups regarding coping
strategies. However, there was significant difference between
the ‘medication only’ (M) group and ‘psychoeducation only’
1. Orientation phase:
Talked about patients’
perceptions (their
feelings, beliefs and the
meaning of event)
2. Identification phase:
Provided information
about PTSD (nature of the
disease, symptoms and
treatment methods) and
talked about patient’s
problems
3. Identification phase:
Provided a description of
related stress and coping
and talked about patient’s
coping strategies
4. Exploitation Phase:
Provided information about
problem-solving and talked
about how patient solves
problems
5. Exploitation Phase:
Problems, objectives and
alternative solutions, as
determined by each patient
were individually discussed.
6. Resolution Phase:
The patient was
encouraged to talk
about the whole process
Figure 2 The content of psychoeducation
sessions.
Table 1 Characteristics of participants
n %
Gender
Male 19 37Æ3
Female 32 62Æ7
Education
11 years 15 29Æ4
Marital status
Married 23 43Æ1
Single 20 39Æ2
Other 8 15Æ7
Location
Epicentre 40 78Æ4
Out of the epicentre 11 21Æ6
Psychiatric disorder history
Yes 19 37Æ3
No 32 62Æ7