Work-related Stress, Musculoskeletal Disorder Complaints, and Stress Symptoms among Radiographers in the Northern Part of Jordan

A regression model on work-related musculoskeletal disorders and associated risk factors among radiographers

Objectives. This study aimed to develop a predictive model for work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs) among radiographers. Methods. A survey was conducted in seven hospitals in two cities with radiographers using the ergonomic assessment for radiographers questionnaire. Logistic regression, confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modelling (SEM) were utilized to establish statistical relationships between independent factors and musculoskeletal complaints. Results. Of 165 respondents, 75.2% reported musculoskeletal pain in the past 12 months, with lower back pain the most prevalent (58.8%). Adjusting for covariates, musculoskeletal pain significantly correlated with body mass index < 23 (odds ratio [OR] 0.06, 95% confidence interval [CI] [0.005, 0.914]), smoking status (OR 0.274, 95% CI [0.751, 6.195]), fixed work break schedule (OR 2.839, 95% CI [1.123, 7.176]), sustained posture (OR 4.854, 95% CI [1.203,19.594]) and prolonged standing or walking (OR 7.499, 95% CI [1.086, 51.753]). The fit measures indicate a moderately good fit of the proposed model to the observed data. However, latent variables did not exhibit significant associations with WRMSD in SEM. Conclusions. The model suggests that WRMSDs among radiographers moderately correlate with underweight, smoking status, fixed work breaks, sustained posture and extended periods of standing or walking. The absence of significant associations between latent variables and WRMSDs suggests the presence of unexplored factors influencing the outcome.Trial registration: Clinical Trials Registry India identifier: CTRI/2021/09/036992.

Work-related back pain among diagnostic radiographers in Ghana: A qualitative study

INTRODUCTION

Work-related back pain has a major impact on diagnostic radiographers' clinical task performance in terms of sickness absenteeism, disability and loss of productivity due to presenteeism. However, there is limited information about the burden of work-related back pain among diagnostic radiographers in Ghana. The aim was to explore diagnostic radiographers' experiences of work-related back pain in Ghana.

METHODS

An exploratory-descriptive qualitative study using semi-structured telephone interviews was conducted. Purposive and snowball sampling techniques were used to recruit participants. The interviews were facilitated by an interview guide. Thematic network approach was used to analyse the data.

RESULTS

Eighteen participants, with 14 males and 4 females were interviewed. The mean age of the participants was 31.7 ± 7.3 years. Three themes were developed: increasing burden of work-related back pain; making sense of the multifaceted risk factors for work-related back pain; and preventing work-related back pain. Low back pain was the most common, followed by neck pain with thoracic pain as the least common reported work-related back pain by participants. Identified risk factors included: physical factors; environmental ergonomic factors; and psychosocial factors. Prevention strategies identified were categorised into: health and safety training; creating lifting team; leadership support from diagnostic imaging managers; participatory ergonomics; workforce planning and scheduling; mindfulness exercises; and physical rehabilitation.

CONCLUSION

Assessing the level of ergonomic risks is critical to identifying, analysing and controlling workplace risk factors that can lead to work-related back pain among diagnostic radiographers. Future research is recommended to design and evaluate a multicomponent ergonomic intervention for the prevention of work-related back pain among diagnostic radiographers to enable them deliver care safely and healthily.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

Understanding diagnostic radiographers experiences of work-related back pain can help develop effective strategies to reduce the growing burden of pain back.

Factors affecting radiographers' use of dose-reduction measures

This study investigates radiographers' views on implementing dose-reduction measures, with a focus on verifying patient identity and pregnancy status, practising gonad shielding in men and using compression. An electronic questionnaire was distributed to radiographers working in general radiography and/or computed tomography. The questionnaire was based on factors from a framework for analysing risk and safety in clinical medicine. Ordered logistic regressions were used to analyse associations among factors and use of dose-reduction measures. In total, 466 questionnaires were distributed and 170 radiographers (36%) completed them. Clear instructions and routines, support from colleagues, knowledge and experience, a strong safety culture, managerial support and access to proper equipment influence the likelihood of using dose-reduction measures. The strongest associations were found between support from colleagues and verifying pregnancy status (OR = 5.65,P= 0.026), safety culture and use of gonad shielding (OR = 2.36,P= 0.042), and having enough time and use of compression (OR = 2.11,P= 0.003). A strong safety culture and a supportive work environment appears to be essential for the use of dose-reduction measures, and education, training and stress management can improve utilisation of dose-reduction measures.

Quality of life and its health and occupational determinants among hospital-based nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic

BACKGROUND

Nurses worldwide were exposed to increased levels of occupational stress during the COVID-19 pandemic which could have hindered their level of health-related quality of life (HRQoL).

OBJECTIVES

This project investigated HRQoL level in nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic and its health and occupational predictors.

METHODS

A cross-sectional design was adopted and targeted full-time nurses in Jordan. Study collected data included demographics, 12-item Short Form health survey (SF-12) to measure HRQoL, Nordic musculoskeletal questionnaire (NMQ), nurses' evaluation of work conditions during COVID-19, and Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS21). Data was analyzed descriptively to summarize main outcome measures and using multiple linear regression model to identify factors significantly associated with HRQoL.

RESULTS

In total 245 nurses successfully completed the survey, 39.6% were males with a mean age of 35±6 years. Participant SF12 scores were 65.94±17.85 for physical component and 50.09±19.36 mental component. The statistical model significantly explained 53.2% of variance in HRQoL (r2 = 0.534, F = 57.849, p < 0.001). Better sleep quality self-evaluation was significantly associated with higher HRQoL levels, while increased levels of depression, musculoskeletal pain, and financial burden on family were significantly associated with worse HRQoL level.

CONCLUSION

Jordanian nurses' HRQoL level was relatively low during COVID-19. Sleep quality, mental health status, musculoskeletal health status, and financial status were identified as factors possibly influenced HRQoL among nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic. Nurses' quality of life along with their mental and physical health should be considered by healthcare administrators in the remaining period of COVID-19 and in future similar emergencies.

Radiographers’ musculoskeletal health in Western Switzerland: WRMSDs symptoms prevalence and risk factors

BACKGROUND: Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs) are a significant occupational health concern in radiographers. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to describe radiographers’ WRMSDs symptoms prevalence and severity, exploring associations with occupational risk factors. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted to explore WRMSDs symptoms and occupational risk factors in radiographers of Western Switzerland using an online survey, based on the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ). Descriptive statistics were conducted to analyze the collected data, and associative statistics to identify the risk factors related to symptoms. RESULTS: Participants (n = 359) presented a high prevalence of WRMSDs symptoms in the last 12 months (94.7% % ), with a related absenteeism rate of 15.6% . In the last 7 days, symptoms prevalence was 67.7% . The most affected anatomical regions, over both time periods, were the neck (73.0%, 36.8%) and lower back (67.4%, 35.7% ). Associative statistics underlined risk factors affecting significantly radiographers’ health (OR >2) were the “awkward postures” (OR = 2.86; 95% CI 1.78–4.58) and “feeling anxiety/stress at work” both for lower back (OR = 2.38; 95% CI 1.39–4.08), and being a woman for the neck (OR = 2.64; 95% CI 1.51–4.61). CONCLUSIONS: There is a high WRMSDs symptoms prevalence in Western Switzerland radiographers. Radiographers’ work demands namely for awkward postures increases the odds for WRMSDs symptoms presence, affecting predominantly neck, upper and lower back. Our data suggest that is necessary to better understand WRMSDs in radiographers to be possible the prevention adapted to this specific context.

Musculoskeletal symptoms among radiation technologists in Saudi Arabia: prevalence and causative factors

BACKGROUND

Radiation technologists usually perform several physical tasks as part of their work routine that are related to imaging equipment and handling patients. These kinds of physical activities increase their risk of developing musculoskeletal symptoms (MSS).

PURPOSE

To determine the prevalence and causative factors of MSS among radiation technologists in Saudi Arabia.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A previously validated and published questionnaire was sent electronically to 800 radiation technologists in Saudi Arabia. It focused on the presence and prior diagnosis of MSS. Questions to determine risk factors were included.

RESULTS

A total of 381 responses were obtained. MSS were indicated by 326 responders (85.6%). Furthermore, it was reported that 309 responders (81.1%) spent more than 2 h per day in awkward postures. Of the responders, 164 (43%) stated that they worked 4 h per day on a personal computer or PACS. The most frequently selected reasons for MSS included patient transfer (50.6%), chairs (38.5%), lead aprons (25.6%), moving heavy equipment (23.1%), and fixed table height (19.4%). An association between work-related MSS and gender was observed (χ²(1) = 5.338; P = 0.021). Similarly, an association between work-related MSS and age was also observed (χ²(3) = 48.58; P = 0.000).

CONCLUSION

Radiation technologists in Saudi Arabia reported a fairly high incidence of MSS, more commonly among female and senior workers. To have a better and safer workplace for radiation technologists, this study suggests preventive measures on organizational and individual levels.

Mental and physical health-related quality of life and their associated factors among students of a comprehensive allied health institution

BACKGROUND

Healthcare students are subjected to critical levels of mental and physical stress that might hinder their quality of life.

OBJECTIVES

This study comprehensively investigated physical and mental Health-related Quality of Life (HR-QoL) and their associated factors among Allied Health (AH) students of nine academic majors.

METHODS

Participants completed anonymous questionnaire included demographics and life style, HR-QoL measured by the 12-item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-12), Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS21), and Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire. SF-12 Physical (PCS) and Mental (MCS) Components Summary scores were compared between gender and between academic majors. Multiple linear regressions were conducted to examine factor associated with PCS and MCS scores.

RESULTS

A total of 838 students (77.4% females) participated in the study. The overall PCS was 45.64±7.93 and statistically different between majors (P < 0.001). The Overall MCS score was 39.45±10.86 and statistically greater in males (P < 0.001). PCS scores were significantly associated with anxiety score, GPA, diet self-evaluation, and upper back and hip musculoskeletal pain. MCS scores were significantly associated with weekly clinical training hours, stress score, depression score, gender, university year, GPA, sleep self-evaluation, diet self-evaluation, and neck musculoskeletal pain.

CONCLUSIONS

Low levels of mental and physical HR-QoL were observed among AH students and were associated with academic-related, health-related, and lifestyle-related factors. Longitudinal studies are needed to assess effective approaches to improve HR-QoL among AH students.

Effects of Occupational Radiation Exposure on Job Stress and Job Burnout of Medical Staff in Xinjiang, China: A Cross-Sectional Study

BACKGROUND Although the potential effects of long-term and low-dose radiation exposure on physical health have attracted considerable attention, few systematic evaluations have been reported regarding the mental health of occupational groups. This study sought to investigate the effects of occupational radiation exposure on job stress and job burnout of medical radiation staff. MATERIAL AND METHODS Using cluster random sampling, a total of 1573 medical radiation workers were initially selected from 10 hospitals in Xinjiang, China, and 1396 valid questionnaires were finally collected. Job stress and job burnout were assessed using the Effort-Reward Imbalance (ERI) questionnaire and the Chinese Maslach Burnout Inventory (CMBI), respectively. RESULTS The percentages of medical radiation staff experiencing job stress and job burnout were 53.08% and 63.32%, respectively. A statistically significant difference in job stress was observed in association with age, ethnicity, professional title, marital status, radiation work type, radiation working years, family history, hypertension, obesity, smoking, and drinking (P<0.05). A statistically significant difference in job burnout was observed in association with age, sex, ethnicity, professional title, educational level, marital status, job post, radiation work type, radiation working years, family history, hypertension, diabetes, and obesity (P<0.05). Female (odds ratio [OR]=0.75, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.58-0.98), senior professional title (OR=0.64, 95% CI: 0.43-0.96), and radiation work types of nuclear medicine (OR=0.15, 95% CI: 0.07-0.33) and radiotherapy (OR=0.54, 95% CI: 0.36-0.79) were protective factors, and job stress (OR=4.57, 95% CI: 3.55-5.91) was the risk factor for job burnout of medical radiation staff. CONCLUSIONS Medical radiation staff experience high levels of job stress and job burnout. The interventions of occupational physical examination, personal dose monitoring, occupational health education, and management optimization are recommended to relieve job stress and job burnout and enhance occupational health of medical radiation staff.