Şahika ŞİMŞEK ÇETİNKAYA, Nihal AYDIN
Eurasian Journal of Family Medicine - 2026;15(3):226-236
Aim: This study examined the association between social media engagement and ontological well -being, state anxiety, and post -traumatic stress disorder among pregnant women following the 2023 Turkey earthquakes. Methods: A descriptive, cross -sectional study was conducted with 214 pregnant women. Data were collected using a socio -demographic form, the Spielberger State Anxiety Inventory, the Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Short Scale, and the Ontological Well -Being Scale. Results: Participants who engaged with social media after the earthquake had significantly higher Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Short Scale scores than non -users. No significant differences were found between groups regarding Spielberger State Anxiety Inventory sc ores or total Ontological Well -Being Scale scores. Correlation analysis showed that post -traumatic stress disorder was positively related to state anxiety and negatively related to ontological well -being. Logistic regression analysis indicated that state a nxiety was a significant predictor of high post -traumatic stress, whereas ontological well -being was not a significant predictor. Conclusion : Social media exposure after a natural disaster was associated with higher post -traumatic stress disorder levels in pregnant women, while no significant differences were observed in overall anxiety or ontological well -being scores. Healthcare providers ma y consider incorporating digital media literacy and targeted psychological support into prenatal care to address potential psychological impacts following disaster -related media exposure.
