Living in a container with a disabled individual: what has changed after the 2023 Kahramanmaras/Türkiye earthquake? A qualitative study.

Abstract

This study aims to explore the experiences of individuals living in a container city after an earthquake and providing informal care to disabled individuals. This study is of a qualitative design. The research was conducted in Teknokent Container Settlement, located in Malatya/Türkiye. The study was concluded with nine participants. In the study, the criterion sampling method, one of the purposive sampling methods, was used, and the criteria for criterion sampling were as follows: living in a container city, providing care for an individual with special needs and agreeing to participate in the study. All of our participants were women, and their ages ranged from 32 to 70. As a result of the data analysis, two main themes emerged: 'change of comfort zone' and 'positive perspective', along with a total of seven subthemes related to these main themes. Findings of this study highlight the need for empowering disabled individuals and their caregivers, including them in disaster management plans. Disability rehabilitation centres should provide regular, free care, while health units in the container settlement area should conduct home visits. The study emphasises the importance of addressing the physical and social environment's impact on health and promoting proactive measures to improve quality of life for both individuals.