Being a mother in the shadow of the earthquake: A grounded theory of maternal experiences of earthquake-affected women

Abstract

Background: Understanding earthquake effects on pregnancy and motherhood can guide protective measures. This study aimsto explore maternal experiences of women affected by earthquakes to guide responsive healthcare systems.Methods: The classic Straussian-grounded theory method was used. Participants were 14 maternal women affected by theFebruary 6 earthquake. They were interviewed online from September 2023 to June 2024 using semi-structured questionnaire.Data were analyzed using a systematic, inductive approach with constant comparative methods and three-stage coding, ensuringrigor.Results: The core category was ‘Becoming a Mother in the Shadow of the Earthquake.’ Women reported “losses shaping thematernal journey,” including basic needs, safety, materials, and moral values. As “being a mother during disaster,” motherhoodinvolved fragmented experiences, psychological disruption with depression, hypervigilance, and post-traumatic evolution withincreased confidence. “Resources needed for resilience” comprised support, maternal strength, trauma-informed care, and copingmethods. They described “systematic inadequacies in post-disaster recovery,” emphasizing healthcare services to address maternalneeds and provide outreach.Conclusion: This study highlights the earthquake impact on maternal women and the necessary healthcare services. Healthcareservices must organize psychological support providing on-site care, create community networks, and build personnel capacityfor resilience-building and trauma-informed care, which understands vulnerable situations of women.Clinical Trial Registration: It is not necessaary. Because, it was designed as grounded theory.