Perceived social support levels among university students following the 2011 earthquake in Van, Turkey

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the perceived social support levels of students after an earthquake. METHODS: This cross-sectional, descriptive study was conducted between June and July 2012 in Van, Turkey, following an earthquake in the region. Sample comprised students at the midwifery and nursing department of Yuzuncu Yil University, Turkey. Data was collected using a questionnaire including student information and the multidimensional scale of perceived social support inventory. Quantitative data was analysed using SPSS 17. RESULTS: Of the 650 subjects, 461(70.9%) migrated away from the city following the earthquake, while 189(29%) stayed back, and, of them, 98(52%) students stayed in tents and 52(27.5%) in containers. The mean perceived social support level of students was 58.9±17.9 and the level of perceived social support increased as respondents' age, class and economic status increased (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Perceived social support was found to be affected by variables such as university year, age and relation with friends, economic status and migration status after the earthquake.