Determinants of Xenophobic Attitudes Towards Displaced Migrants Among Healthcare Workers

Abstract

Displacement increases inequalities by preventing access to basic rights, especially the right to health. This cross-sectional study explains the level of xenophobic attitudes of healthcare professionals towards displaced migrants and related factors. A total of 436 health workers across varied health professions completed a Socio-demographic Information Form, a Xenophobia Scale, and a Cultural Intelligence Scale. Approximately 60% of the participants were female, with an average age of 29.7±7.32 years. The mean score obtained from the Xenophobia Scale, which has a maximum score of 66, was 52.8±11.03. The results showed that knowing a foreign language, having immigrant friends, receiving training on the healthcare needs of immigrants, and possessing high motivation scores were associated with reduced xenophobic attitudes. In contrast, immigrants having inadequate income or an elevated metacognition score was linked to xenophobic attitudes (p<0.05). In order to prevent inequalities in health and to ensure that displaced populations have access to the right to health, these findings are taken into consideration in the planning of social work interventions