The impact of earthquake-induced human migration on violence against healthcare professionals

Aim: Violence is a set of actions that encompass threats and behaviors which disrupt an individual’s overall well-being and negatively affect the person in various manners. Despite various deterrent sanctions, violence in healthcare remains a persistent societal issue. Following the February 6, 2023 Kahramanmaraş earthquake, the province of Mersin experienced a significant influx of migrants. In the present study, we aimed to examine the effect of this migration on violence in healthcare. Methods: In this study, Code White notifications issued at tertiary hospital between April 12, 2022 and February 6, 2023 and between February 6, 2023 and December 3, 2023 were retrospectively analyzed. Individuals younger than 18 years of age and Code White notifications issued outside the specified date ranges were excluded from the study. The study was conducted with a total of 212 participants. Results: Violence occurred most frequently in the emergency department, accounting for 33.5% (n = 71) of the incidents, and physicians were the most affected group, experiencing 48.1% (n = 102) of the violence. A statistically significant relationship was observed between the time periods before and after the earthquake and the units where violence occurred (p = 0.010). Conclusion: Based on the Code White data examined in the present study, it can be concluded that violence against healthcare personnel remains a significant societal issue today, despite the deterrent legal sanctions implemented as part of the Health Transformation Program. The issue of violence in healthcare is multifaceted, requiring additional measures beyond legal sanctions.