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Pakistan Journal of Nutrition

Year: 2007 | Volume: 6 | Issue: 4 | Page No.: 327-331
DOI: 10.3923/pjn.2007.327.331
The Effects of Two Earthquakes in the Marmara Region of Turkey on the Nutritional Status of Adults
Nevin Sanlier and Nurcan Yabanci

Abstract: Earthquakes have affected public health and nutrition. Therefore; this study was conducted to evaluate the nutritional status of adults living in the areas affected by Turkey`s two largest earthquakes 18 months after they occurred. This study included 285 healthy adults (111 men and 174 women) who were studied in order to highlight the effects that two earthquakes had on their nutritional status. All the participants were living in the earthquake zones and surrounding areas. The study began approximately 18 months after the Marmara Earthquake of August 17th, 1999 and the Düzce Earthquake of November 12th, 1999. The average Body Mass Index (BMI) of the study group after the earthquakes was 24.6±3.6 kg m-2 for the men and 23.4±4.7 kg m-2 for the women. Daily energy intake of the men and women was 1385.4±495.7 and 1202.9±452.1 kcal, respectively. In present study population, energy (p<0.005), protein (p<0.005), carbohydrate (p<0.001), thiamin, niacin (p<0.005), vitamin A, calcium and iron intake of the men was higher than that of the women. However, energy and nutrient intake, both in the men and women we sampled, were below daily-recommended levels. In order to provide adequate and balanced nutrition to survivors in the regions affected by earthquakes, emergency nutrition plans should be prepared and implemented. One should bear in mind the importance of nutrition to the physical and psychological health of people following natural disasters.

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How to cite this article
Nevin Sanlier and Nurcan Yabanci, 2007. The Effects of Two Earthquakes in the Marmara Region of Turkey on the Nutritional Status of Adults. Pakistan Journal of Nutrition, 6: 327-331.

Keywords: Earthquake, nutrition, body mass index and daily energy and nutrient intake

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