Técnicas Avançadas em Biologia e Medicina
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A Need Assessment for Prevention of Work-Related Stress Experienced by Radiographers in Ghana

Kyei Kofi Adesi, Antwi William Kwadwo and Pokua Ruby Kab

Background: The various components within the radiography practice pose different injury risks to radiographers in the course of performing diagnostic imaging examinations such as positioning patients in bed or on x-ray tables and lifting of heavy objects. These identified situations have a significant role in the development of RSS in radiographers Aim: This study aimed to establish whether radiographers at the study site experience Repetitive Stress Syndrome (RSS) in order to outline possible techniques to reduce the risk of RSS.

Method: This was a descriptive survey and 68 radiographers consented to participate in the study. A structured questionnaire assessing demographic characteristics, radiographers’ awareness about distress, work schedule and problems associated with musculoskeletal injury were completed. Data were entered into a database using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 17.0 and graphs and tables presented using Microsoft Excel.

Result: It was observed from the study that majority of the Radiographers (52%) had practiced between one to five years. Forty eight percent of the respondents had no awareness of any kind of distress. Some of the radiographers (39%) had experienced multiple symptoms of distress in their workplaces.

Conclusion: The study identified lack of awareness about several stress syndromes among the radiographer at the study site. The symptoms of distress among the radiographers were mostly pain and weakness. Other practices that influenced the occurrence of stress among the participants were frequent transferring and positioning of patients.