IDENTIFICATION OF OCCUPATIONAL STRESSORS AMONGST RADIOGRAPHERS

IDENTIFIKACIJA STRESORJEV NA PODRO?JU DELA RADIOLOŠKIH INŽENIRJEV

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of this research is to defi ne stress and correlated factors and identify which stressors are present among radiographers in relation to their workplace.

Methods: A total of 450 radiographers received a questionnaire that covers a variety of workplace stressors, which conditions aff ect stress, how frequently radiographers notice stress and to what extent they use coping mechanisms. The online survey was available on the website 1ka and the results were analysed using the IBM SPSS program.

Results: A total of 236 radiographers completed the survey (52.4% response rate). Interpersonal relations and management staff cause the highest level of stress, while the most important stressor is a conflict with a supervisor (3.38). Radiographers who work in a field of radiotherapy perceive the most stress. There is no difference between a healthcare activity in relation to levels of perceived stress. We could not identify any statistically significant differences in perceived stress in relation to gender or age (p?0.05). Radiographers who asses their relationship with co-workers and supervisors as good perceive lower levels of stress. Additionally, the same results are present with radiographers who are satisfied because they work in a multidisciplinary team (p?0.05). Teaching new staff has a positive correlation with occupational stress development. Unnecessary radiological procedures, along with unclear roles, have no effect on the development of stress behaviour (p>0.05). However, a conflict between roles has a major association (p?0.05) with stress occurrence. The most frequent methods for reducing symptoms of stress are caring for one’s health and physical appearance (3.77). It proved that communication with patients and duty work (p<0.05) represent significant elements of the workload. Most radiographers think that physical conditions in the workplace could be improved.

Discussion and conclusion: The results show that radiographers notice a variety of stressors in their workplace. The most important are related to interpersonal relations. Further research should include analysis of stress within particular fields of radiography that would help to explain occupational stress.