Sex disparities in psychosocial distress among medical students with indirect exposure to the 2023 Kahramanmaras earthquakes

BACKGROUND: The psychological impact of disasters extends beyond directly exposed populations to those indirectly affected through close social networks. Sex is a critical factor of post-trauma outcomes, yet its role in shaping the mental health of indirectly exposed individuals remains underexplored. OBJECTIVE: This study investigates sex-based disparities in psychosocial distress among a cohort remotely exposed to a major earthquake. METHODS: Approximately 3 months after the 2023 Kahramanmaras earthquakes, 129 Turkish medical students with indirect exposure (e.g. via affected relatives or close social circles) took part in this cross-sectional study, completing a structured anxiety survey and a self-report form. The self-report form assessed academic stress, health behaviors (smoking, alcohol use, exercise, and nutrition status), and lifestyle factors. RESULTS: (3) = 13.581, p_FDR = .046, Cramer's V = 0.324). All other chi-square tests were nonsignificant under both correction methods. CONCLUSION: After rigorous correction, sex differences were largely attenuated. Peer bullying showed a possible association under FDR, but not under Bonferroni, suggesting the need for larger confirmatory studies.