Occupational stress among Namibian diagnostic radiographers during the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has significantly affected the health care sectors, causing stress among professionals such as diagnostic radiographers who helped fight this disease.

Aim: This study explored occupational stress and stressors caused by the COVID-19 pandemic among diagnostic radiographers including coping strategies used and interventions that may be used to mitigate the effects of stress during future pandemics.

Setting: The study was conducted among Namibian diagnostic radiographers.

Methods: An electronic survey was used to collect data using a quantitative descriptive research approach. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 26 was used for statistical analysis.

Results: Among the 90 diagnostic radiographers who responded to the survey, an increase in the workload, fear of contracting the virus and spreading it to others, were the main contributors of COVID-19 occupational-related stressors. Spending quality time with family and friends, developing hobbies and meditating and taking part in spiritual or religious activities were some coping strategies used to reduce stress. The introduction of incentives, social networking and provision of psychological support were preferred interventions that could mitigate the effects of occupational stress during similar pandemics.

Conclusion: Diagnostic radiographers endured significant occupational stress because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Health care employers are encouraged to provide certain incentives and psychological support during similar pandemics as described in this article.

Contribution: Radiography managers may consider the introduction of flexible working hours, provision of adequate staffing, participation and shared decision-making to mitigate stress during similar future pandemics.