Challenges experienced by female healthcare workers engaged in active duty in earthquake-affected regions due to their gender: A case study of the Kahramanmaraş earthquake

Abstract

Female employees from pre-hospital emergency medical services (PHEMS) and their experiences play a crucial role in emergency response, disaster preparedness, and intervention activities, contributing substantially to the resilience of communities. However, existing societal gender roles and disaster management policies that fail to account for the vulnerabilities of women and female employees result in underutilization of this potential power. This research aims to investigate the challenges and gender-based issues experienced by female employees from PHEMS deployed to disaster areas in the aftermath of the Kahramanmaraş Earthquakes as part of the Prehospital Emergency Health Services during disaster response. This study employs a qualitative research approach known as phenomenological inquiry. The research sample comprises 20 female employees from PHEMS. The research data were collected through in-depth interviews with participants using a semi-structured interview guide. MAXQDA 21 software program was utilized for data coding and analysis. They encountered issues related to accommodation, hygiene, and privacy in their work areas. Furthermore, upon returning to normal life after deployment, they exhibited symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), including intrusive memories, sleep problems, nightmares, crying spells, and a fear of impending disaster, even when in safe environments. Supporting caregiving roles during and after disasters and reducing the workload imposed by gender norms may better harness the potential of female employees from PHEMS.