The moderating role of gender in the effect of health communication problems on violence against healthcare workers

The primary objective of this study is to determine how problems in health communication affect violence against healthcare workers and to test the moderating role of gender in this interaction. In line with this objective, a quantitative research design based on the relational screening model was adopted. The study population consisted of individuals aged 18 and above who received services from any healthcare institution in Diyarbakır between March 10–30, 2025. A convenience sampling method was employed, and a total of 424 participants were surveyed. The data collection process was carried out through both online and face-to-face methods, following the approval of the ethics committee and relevant institutional permissions. Validated and reliable scales were used as data collection instruments to measure individuals' perceptions of health communication problems and their tendencies toward violence against healthcare workers. The data were analyzed using SPSS 25.0 and Hayes' PROCESS Macro Model 1. Descriptive statistics, normality tests, reliability analyses, independent samples t-tests, ANOVA, correlation and regression analyses, as well as moderation analysis, were conducted. The findings revealed that health communication problems are positively and significantly associated with violence against healthcare workers. Variables such as ineffective communication, lack of social communication, and communication barriers significantly predicted behavioral intention to commit violence, past experiences, attitudes toward violent behavior, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control. The moderating effect of gender was found to be significant; the impact of health communication problems on violence against healthcare workers was stronger among male participants. In contrast, female participants showed a more sensitive and rapid increase in response to communication problems. Additionally, individuals with lower income levels perceived higher levels of communication problems and a stronger tendency toward violence. The tendency was also notably higher among individuals who considered violence a legitimate method of seeking justice.