Work

Mental health service use after the Van Earthquake: evidence from a quasi-experimental difference-in-differences study

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: This study examines the long-run effects of disaster exposure on mental health service utilization using quasi-experimental difference-in-differences and event-study design. Using nationally representative Türkiye Health Survey data (2008-2022), we analyze changes in mental health service use following the 2011 Van earthquake. We document a delayed but sustained increase in utilization of approximately 3-4% points, peaking in 2016-2019 and attenuating by 2022. Heterogeneity analyses show larger responses among men and single individuals, while utilization among women remains comparatively lower. Robustness checks, including alternative control groups and wild-cluster bootstrap inference, support the validity of the empirical design. The findings highlight that post-disaster mental health service use may evolve gradually over time, underscoring the importance of long-term recovery planning in middle-income, high-seismic-risk settings.

Source: BMC Public Health

DOI: 10.1186/s12889-026-27614-8

Authors: Demet Topal Koç, Gabriel Picone, Bradley Kamp

Institution: Kırklareli University

Language: English

Topic: Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Research

Subfield: Clinical Psychology

Field: Psychology

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Sustainable cities and communities

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,290