The impact of post-earthquake anxiety and depression on erectile dysfunction: A cross-sectional study after the February 6, 2023 Earthquakes in Turkiye
AI Summary
Post-earthquake men showed significantly higher anxiety and depression and reduced quality of life, correlating with increased erectile dysfunction prevalence.
Among affected men, 53.6% had severe ED, 41.2% moderate, and 5.2% mild, with worse sexual function scores in severe cases.
Findings emphasise integrating sexual health assessment and psychosocial support into post-disaster care to address ED associated with anxiety and depression.
North Clin Istanb. 2026 Apr 30;13(2):162-170. doi: 10.14744/nci.2026.41017. eCollection 2026.
ABSTRACT
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 (WHOQOL-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.
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