Muhammet Serdar BUGDAY, Ender AKDEMIR, Kerim UGUR, Battal Selcuk CAKMAK, Mehmet Levent AKBULUT, Hatice POLAT
İstanbul Kuzey Klinikleri Dergisi - 2026;13(2):162-170
OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of the February 6, 2023, earthquakes in Turkiye on anxiety and depression levels and their impact on erectile dysfunction (ED). METHODS: A total of 164 men aged 25-55 were enrolled between July 15, 2024, and January 15, 2025. Ninety-seven patients who presented with ED after the earthquakes were included as the study group, and 67 healthy individuals without ED were enrolled as controls. All participants completed the Arizona Sexual Experiences Scale (ASEX), Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAM-A), Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D), World Health Organization Quality of Life-BREF (WHO-QOL-BREF), and International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5). Statistical analyses were conducted using chi-square, t-tests, and ANOVA. RESULTS: There were no significant differences between the groups regarding age and marital status. Patients with ED had significantly higher ASEX, HAM-A, and HAM-D scores and significantly lower WHOQOL-BREF scores compared to controls (p=0.001). Among ED patients, 52 (53.6%) had severe ED, 40 (41.2%) had moderate, and 5 (5.2%) had mild symptoms. ASEX scores were significantly higher (p=0.01), and WHOQOL-BREF general health scores were significantly lower in patients with severe ED compared to those with milder forms (p=0.001). CONCLUSION: The February 6 earthquakes were associated with increased anxiety and depression and decreased quality of life in men, which significantly contributed to the prevalence and severity of ED. These findings highlight the importance of addressing sexual health as part of post-disaster psychosocial support.
