The Impact of the 2023 Kahramanmaraş (Türkiye) Earthquakes on Asthma Control in Adults: A Single Center Cross-Sectional Study

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Objective: On 6 February 2023, 2 earthquakes with magnitudes of 7.8 and 7.6 Mw occurred in Kahramanmaraş. Earthquakes have caused catastrophic damage in an area of approximately 350,000 km². We aimed to establish the effect of earthquakes on asthma control. Material and Methods: The data of 116 asthma patients were assessed between May 1 and December 1, 2023. The use of inhaled corticosteroids (ICS), short-acting beta-agonists (SABA), and numbers of asthma exacerbations were compared in pre- and post-earthquake periods. In addition, patients were divided into 2 groups according to asthma control status. Both groups were compared for demographic data, medication, exacerbations, anxiety, and quality of life. Results: In the post-earthquake period, ICS use decreased significantly (p<0.001), while SABAs use and exacerbation rate increased significantly (p<0.001, p<0.001). Approximately 2/3 (66.4%) of patients were uncontrolled. Exacerbations were significantly higher in the uncontrolled group (p=0.011). ICS use was also lower in the uncontrolled group (uncontrolled: 28.6% vs 53.8% controlled, p=0.008). However, no significant difference was found between the groups for SABAs use. There was no difference between the two groups in terms of housing status (p=0.497), quality of life (p>0.05 for all quality-of-life scales), and anxiety level (p=0.686). Conclusion: We found that the earthquake significantly impaired asthma control. The main reason for the lack of asthma control in the post-earthquake period seems to be the difficulty in accessing ICS. Therefore, disaster management plans should be developed to provide timely medical supplie and optimal health services in areas vulnerable to disasters.