Investigation of occupational stress among radiologic technologists in Saudi Arabia using HSE stress indicator tool

Abstract

BackgroundThe increasing concern about occupational stress and its effects on radiologic technologists (RTs) has been noted, as it can lead to decreased productivity and compromised healthcare quality. This study aimed to evaluate occupational stress and pinpoint the primary indicators of organizational psychosocial hazard exposures among RTs working in hospitals under the Saudi Ministry of Health. The Health and Safety Executive Indicator Tools (HSE-IT) for occupational stress were utilized for this assessment. MethodsThe study employed a cross-sectional online survey that utilized both quantitative and qualitative methods. The quantitative method was based on the HSE-IT, which focuses on six HSE Management Standards that represent potential stress hazards, namely: demands, control, support, relationships, roles, and change. The qualitative method, on the other hand, was based on narrative comments that shed light on the most common sources of occupational pressure and suggestions on how to alleviate this pressure in the radiology department. ResultsA total of 864 responses were collected from RTs in Saudi Arabia. This study revealed that urgent action was needed for demand, managers’ support, workplace relationship, and organizational roles, while assessment of control and organizational change standards were indicated as a “clear need for improvement” and “good, but in need of improvement”, respectively. This study identified particular areas of concern such as workload, shortage of staff, lack of control, feedback, social support, personal harassment, job description, and consultation of staff with changes in their work environment. The relationship between the sociodemographic data and the overall stress results revealed statistically significant differences related to gender (P = 0.020), living place, and working night shifts (P = 0.003). ConclusionThe study found that the risks of occupational stress for RTs are substantial and are not being appropriately addressed. The need for awareness to manage occupational stress is warranted, and therefore, this study presented recommendations for reducing the risks associated with occupational stress.