Abstract

Context: It is of great importance to study various aspects of earthquakes. The aim of the study was to review major studies about earthquakes in Iran in order to help clinicians obtain a better understanding of this natural disaster in this specific territory, and select better therapeutic methods. Methods: Two authors independently searched articles through scientific databases, such as PubMed, MEDLINE, Wiley, EMBASE, ISI Web of Knowledge, and Scopus. The keywords that were applied to search these articles included: Earthquake, disaster, Iran, physical phenomena, geological phenomena, health, trauma, medicine, wounds, and injuries. Two researchers independently assessed titles and abstracts of all studies and then included them based on the relevance. Results: Fourteen researches were included in the current study. Fractures were the most common injury. The results showed hospitals, relief agencies, and municipal services should be built in a way appropriate for earthquake conditions. A gender-sensitive approach for planning and management of traumatic people after a disaster could allow better and more effective healthcare delivery. Conclusions: This study was a review of all studies about earthquakes that occurred in Iran and can provide better understanding of this natural disaster for clinicians, and allow selection of better therapeutic methods, which is important in disaster management after an earthquake.