Experiences of Amputees Living in Containers Following the February 6 Kahramanmaraş-Centered Earthquake

Abstract

This study aims to examine the experiences amputees living in a container city in Kahramanmara & scedil; following the Kahramanmara & scedil;-centered earthquakes that happened in Turkey on February 6, 2023. Amputees face multiple challenges, including the physical, psychological, and social consequences of earthquake-related limb loss. This study focuses on understanding their difficulties, coping efforts, and sources of support. The study was guided by the theoretical frameworks of stress and coping theory and resilience theory. The study used Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA), a qualitative method that emphasizes the in-depth exploration of participants' experiences. Data were collected through face-to-face and semi-structured in-depth interviews with seven participants (three female and four male) in June 2024. Analysis results revealed four themes, which multiple losses and associated difficulties, support sources, coping behaviors, and aspirations: seeking independence. The results showed that psychosocial support interventions should be based not only on individualized models but also on place-based, socio-culturally sensitive models.