Determining Adult Dizziness and Sleep Quality After the 2023 Earthquakes in Türkiye.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: This study investigated the presence of dizziness and sleep quality in people affected by the earthquake disaster of 2023 in Türkiye and aimed to determine the relationship between dizziness and sleep disorders. METHODS: A total of 384 earthquake survivors who had no previous complaints of dizziness or sleep disturbance and who presented to the neurology outpatient clinic with complaints of dizziness or sleep disturbance after the earthquake were included in the study. Demographic information of participants and scales such as the Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI) and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) were recorded. RESULTS: It was determined that the majority of the patients in the 18-35 age group had poor sleep quality and there was a significant difference in the PSQI score. Additionally, a moderate positive significant relationship was found between the DHI score and the PSQI score. CONCLUSION: Exposure to major earthquakes and aftershocks can cause sleep disorders and dizziness complaints, which may emerge as public health problems. Earthquake victims should be followed up and necessary interventions should be made early.