Original scientific paper
https://doi.org/10.65241/wh.8.2.6
Long-term psychological consequences of the 2020 Petrinja earthquake: a cross-sectional study of stress and depression in Sisak-Moslavina county
Valentina Jesic
orcid.org/0000-0001-7947-5233
; Department of Anesthesiology, Intensive Care Medicine and Pain Therapy, University Hospital Centre Sestre milosrdnice, Vinogradska cesta 29, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
*
Jadranka Pavic
orcid.org/0009-0006-9952-6505
; University of Applied Health Sciences, Mlinarska cesta 38, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
* Corresponding author.
Abstract
Background: The 2020 Petrinja earthquake caused widespread
destruction in Sisak-Moslavina County, leaving long-term
consequences not only on infrastructure but also on mental
health of local residents. This study aimed to assess the
persistence of stress and associated psychological symptoms
five years after the disaster.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted between
October and December 2024 using an online questionnaire
completed by 300 adult residents (aged 18–70) who had lived
in the affected area during the earthquake. The instrument
measured perceived stress, anxiety, insomnia, depression,
and trauma-related symptoms. Descriptive statistics, one-way
ANOVA, Pearson’s correlation, and the Mann–Whitney U test
were used to analyze group differences and variable associations.
Results: The average stress level was moderate (M = 3.83, SD
= 2.40), with 35% of respondents reporting high stress (scores
6 to 8) even five years after the event. Older adults (from 61
to 70 years) reported significantly higher stress levels than
younger age groups (p < 0.01). Anxiety and depression scores
were consistently high across all age groups (M = 4.69 and M =
4.82, respectively), with no significant age-related differences. A
weak but statistically significant correlation was found between
stress and depression (r = 0.13, p = 0.027), while no significant
association was observed between stress levels and seeking
professional psychological help (p = 0.447).
Conclusions: Five years after the Petrinja earthquake,
psychological distress persists among a considerable portion of
the population. Tailored psychosocial interventions, especially
for older adults, are essential to reduce long-term mental
health burdens.
Keywords
Earthquake trauma; psychological stress; older adults; long-term mental health outcomes
Hrčak ID:
343010
URI
Publication date:
24.12.2025.
Visits: 425 *