Currently submitted to: Interactive Journal of Medical Research
Date Submitted: Dec 31, 2025
Open Peer Review Period: Jan 2, 2026 - Feb 27, 2026
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Dyspnea, Fatigue Levels, and Quality of Life Among Individuals Living in Container Settlements After the 2023 Kahramanmaraş Earthquake
ABSTRACT
Background:
Prolonged residence in post-disaster container settlements may adversely affect respiratory health through environmental, functional, and psychosocial pathways. However, population-based evidence incorporating objective pulmonary and functional indicators remains limited.
Objective:
This study aimed to quantify pulmonary function, dyspnea, fatigue-related functional capacity, and health-related quality of life among adults living in container settlements after the 2023 Kahramanmaraş earthquakes and to identify key sociodemographic and functional determinants.
Methods:
This cross-sectional field study included 360 adults (mean age 41.2±9.3 years; 53.6% female) residing in three container settlements in Malatya, Türkiye. Pulmonary function (FVC, FEV₁, FEV₁/FVC) was assessed using spirometry according to ATS/ERS standards. Dyspnea (mMRC), sleep quality (PSQI), muscle strength (handgrip dynamometry), and quality of life (SF-36) were evaluated. Group comparisons, correlation analyses, and multiple linear regression models were applied. Results Median FVC and FEV₁ were 2.85 L (IQR 2.30–3.40) and 2.32 L (IQR 1.85–2.85), respectively, while the mean FEV₁/FVC ratio remained within normal limits (80.1%±6.2). Significant differences in FVC and FEV₁ were observed by sex (p<.001; r=0.82) and employment status (p<.001; r=0.56). Handgrip strength showed strong positive correlations with FVC (r=0.74) and FEV₁ (r=0.77, both p<.001), whereas sleep quality demonstrated small but significant associations (p=.021; ε²=0.031). In multivariable analysis, age, sex, body mass index, employment status, and handgrip strength independently predicted FVC (adjusted R²=0.61; p<.001).
Results:
Respiratory impairment among adults living in post-disaster container settlements primarily reflects reduced lung volume and functional capacity rather than obstructive airway disease. Functional and social determinants, particularly muscle strength and employment status, play a central role, underscoring the need for integrated post-disaster respiratory surveillance and rehabilitation strategies.
Conclusions:
Respiratory impairment among adults living in post-disaster container settlements primarily reflects reduced lung volume and functional capacity rather than obstructive airway disease. Functional and social determinants, particularly muscle strength and employment status, play a central role, underscoring the need for integrated post-disaster respiratory surveillance and rehabilitation strategies.
Citation
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