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Disaster Experience among Older Adults after Earthquake

  • Global Health and Nursing
  • Abbr : Global Health Nurs
  • 2022, 12(2), pp.101-112
  • DOI : 10.35144/ghn.2022.12.2.101
  • Publisher : Research Institute of Nursing Science
  • Research Area : Medicine and Pharmacy > Nursing Science
  • Received : December 9, 2021
  • Accepted : February 4, 2022
  • Published : July 31, 2022

Eun-Mi Kim 1 Lee, Yun-Kyeong 1 LEE JURY 2 Kwon, Min-Kyoung 3 Je, Mi-Ri 4 Kwon, Min-Kyoung 1

1부산대학교
2거제대학교
3포항지진트라우마센터
4부산대학교 간호대학

Accredited

ABSTRACT

Purpose: The Pohang Earthquake caused substantial socioeconomic damage in 2017. Vulnerable populations include older adults, who experience adverse impacts during earthquakes. This study was to investigate the earthquake experiences of older adults living in an earthquake-stricken area. Methods: This study was based on qualitative research using phenomenological methodology. Data collection was conducted through in-depth interviews from October to December 2021 with 10 older adults who experienced the Pohang Earthquake. Data analysis was performed using Colaizzi’s method. Results: The earthquake experiences of older adults were categorized into 34 sub-themes, 11 themes, and the following four theme clusters: (1) an unforgettable situation that occurred during the earthquake; (2) a life of suffering caused by the earthquake; (3) longing for one’s peaceful life before the earthquake; and (4) accepting the new reality for oneself and future generations. Conclusion: The current study results can help to improve the understanding of various aspects of earthquake experiences among vulnerable older adults. Community nurses and policymakers must focus on enhancing disaster psychological support programs highlighting psychological impacts and somatic symptoms among older adults. These results can be used to enhance community resilience and disaster preparedness in community centers and earthquake trauma centers.

Citation status

* References for papers published after 2023 are currently being built.

This paper was written with support from the National Research Foundation of Korea.