Impact of Social Media Engagement on Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Anxiety, and Ontological Well-Being Among Pregnant Women Following the Türkiye Earthquake

Aim: This study examined the association between social media engagement and ontological well-being, state anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder among pregnant women following the 2023 Turkey earthquakes. Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted with 214 pregnant women. Data were collected using a socio-demographic form, the Spielberger State Anxiety Inventory, the Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Short Scale, and the Ontological Well-Being Scale. Results: Participants who engaged with social media after the earthquake had significantly higher Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Short Scale scores than non-users. No significant differences were found between groups regarding Spielberger State Anxiety Inventory scores or total Ontological Well-Being Scale scores. Correlation analysis showed that post-traumatic stress disorder was positively related to state anxiety and negatively related to ontological well-being. Logistic regression analysis indicated that state anxiety was a significant predictor of high post-traumatic stress, whereas ontological well-being was not a significant predictor. Conclusion: Social media exposure after a natural disaster was associated with higher post-traumatic stress disorder levels in pregnant women, while no significant differences were observed in overall anxiety or ontological well-being scores. Healthcare providers may consider incorporating digital media literacy and targeted psychological support into prenatal care to address potential psychological impacts following disaster-related media exposure.