Authors
- Valentina Ješić – Department of Anesthesiology, Intensive Care Medicine and Pain Therapy, University Hospital Centre Sestre Milosrdnice, Vinogradska cesta 29, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Novo mesto, Na Loko 2, 8000 Novo mesto, Slovenia
- Jadranka Pavić – University of Applied Health Sciences, Mlinarska cesta 38, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
DOI
https://doi.org/10.65241/wh.8.2.6
Article type:
Original Scientific Paper
Abstract:
Background: The 2020 Petrinja earthquake caused widespread destruction in Sisak-Moslavina County, leaving long-term consequences not only on infrastructure but also on mental health of local residents. This study aimed to assess the persistence of stress and associated psychological symptoms five years after the disaster.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted between October and December 2024 using an online questionnaire completed by 300 adult residents (aged 18–70) who had lived in the affected area during the earthquake. The instrument measured perceived stress, anxiety, insomnia, depression, and trauma-related symptoms. Descriptive statistics, one-way ANOVA, Pearson’s correlation, and the Mann–Whitney U test were used to analyze group differences and variable associations.
Results: The average stress level was moderate (M = 3.83, SD = 2.40), with 35% of respondents reporting high stress (scores 6 to 8) even five years after the event. Older adults (from 61 to 70 years) reported significantly higher stress levels than younger age groups (p < 0.01). Anxiety and depression scores were consistently high across all age groups (M = 4.69 and M = 4.82, respectively), with no significant age-related differences. A weak but statistically significant correlation was found between stress and depression (r = 0.13, p = 0.027), while no significant association was observed between stress levels and seeking professional psychological help (p = 0.447).
Conclusions: Five years after the Petrinja earthquake, psychological distress persists among a considerable portion of the population. Tailored psychosocial interventions, especially for older adults, are essential to reduce long-term mental health burdens.
Keywords:
Earthquake trauma, psychological stress, older adults, long-term mental health outcomes.