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CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 · Indian J Radiol Imaging 2019; 29(01): 61-66
DOI: 10.4103/ijri.IJRI_403_18
Miscellaneous

Non-radiation occupational hazards and health issues faced by radiologists – A cross-sectional study of Indian radiologists

Ameya S Kawthalkar
Department of Radiodiagnosis, Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
,
Rachel A Sequeira
Department of Radiodiagnosis, Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
,
Supreeta Arya
Department of Radiodiagnosis, Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
,
Akshay D Baheti
Department of Radiodiagnosis, Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
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Subject Editor: Financial support and sponsorship Nil.
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Abstract

Context: Radiologists as a group face unique occupational health hazards among which musculoskeletal injuries, chronic eye strain, and others are yet to receive adequate attention. Constant mental strain due to demanding turnaround times and work pressures may lead to burnout and depression. These combine to decrease overall work satisfaction and productivity. Aims: To study the prevalence of various health issues faced by radiologists in India and to assess whether specific demographic and occupational factors are associated with an increased risk. Settings and Design: Cross-sectional observational study conducted as a voluntary anonymous electronic survey. Methods and Materials: A 36-item survey was sent to radiologists through email and social media. All respondents who completed survey were included in the study. Questions regarding workload, repetitive stress injuries, eye strain, burnout, and so on were asked. Statistical Analysis Used: Chi-square test was used to test significance of correlation (P < 0.05). Results: In all, 383 radiologists completed the survey. A high prevalence of repetitive stress injuries, chronic eye strain, depression, and burnout was found. Significant correlation was found between repetitive stress injuries and burnout. Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques Act (PCPNDT) related issues and work overload were the most common causes of high stress levels. Radiologists whose practices followed ergonomic design showed significantly less prevalence of neck pain. Conclusion: Radiologists in India have a high prevalence of repetitive stress injuries, chronic eye strain, and burnout, along with unique mental stressors such as PCPNDT-related issues.

Keywords

Burnout - ergonomics - mental health - radiology - repetitive stress injuries


Publication History

Article published online:
23 July 2021

© 2019. Indian Radiological Association. This is an open access article published by Thieme under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-NonDerivative-NonCommercial-License, permitting copying and reproduction so long as the original work is given appropriate credit. Contents may not be used for commercial purposes, or adapted, remixed, transformed or built upon. (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/).

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