Impact of Earthquake Trauma on Nurses' Compassion Fatigue: A Study From Kahramanmaraş, Turkey

This study investigates the impact of earthquake trauma on compassion fatigue among nurses working in emergency services following the devastating earthquakes on 6 February 2023, in Kahramanmaraş, Turkey. These earthquakes, with magnitudes of approximately 7.7 and 7.6, affected 11 provinces and resulted in over 50,000 deaths and 100,000 injuries, placing emergency service nurses at the forefront of dealing with the aftermath and trauma. The concept of compassion fatigue, characterised by a reduced capacity for empathy after repeated exposure to traumatic events, is a significant concern for nurses who have been directly involved in the care of earthquake victims. This study aims to explore the extent of earthquake trauma and compassion fatigue among these nurses, examining the relationship between these two conditions and their long-term effects. Given the limited research on post-traumatic stress disorder and compassion fatigue among emergency service nurses, this study seeks to contribute valuable insights into the psychological impacts of disaster response on healthcare professionals. The hypotheses tested aim to better understand the risks and psychological burdens faced by nurses in the wake of such natural disasters.