Evaluation of non-radiation occupational hazards faced by radiologists

Abstract

Background: Radiologist perform tedious task of reporting in this fast growing health sector. The present study was conducted to determine non-radiation occupational hazards faced by radiologists.Materials & Methods: The present study was conducted on 114 radiologists who agreed to participate in the study. Information regarding film based versus workstation reporting, working hours, musculoskeletal injuries, depression, the causes of stress etc. was recorded to assess various mental health issues. Results: Forty radiologists had >10 years of experience, 50 had 5-10 years and 24 had 1-5 years, 50 were working n USG only, 34 predominantly workstation based and 30 predominantly film based, 50 used to work >70 hours per week, 39 between 40-70 hours and 25 less than 25 hours per week. Various non- radiation occupational hazards were neck pain in 78, shoulder pain in 65, wrist pain in 96, elbow pain in 53, tenosynovitis in 68, carpal tunnel syndrome in 34, chronic eye strain in 70, needle prick injury in 25, varicose veins in 35, depression in 60 and burnout in 52 radiologists. The difference was significant (P< 0.05). Conclusion: Authors found that various non- radiation occupational hazards such as neck pain, shoulder pain, wrist pain, tenosynovitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, chronic eye strain, varicose veins and depression