Evaluation of occupational stressors among nuclear medicine radiographers in South Africa

INTRODUCTION: Occupational stress harms the mental and physical health of healthcare workers, affecting their quality of life and work. Although occupational stress has been widely studied among radiological professionals, research focused specifically on nuclear medicine radiographers, particularly in South Africa, remains limited. This study aimed to identify and describe perceived occupational stressors among nuclear medicine radiographers in South Africa. METHODS: A cross-sectional quantitative descriptive research design was used. An online-adapted Nuclear Medicine Occupational Stress Questionnaire, using a five-point Likert scale, was distributed via WhatsApp, Facebook, and the South African Society of Nuclear Medicine social platform to nuclear medicine radiographers employed in private and government sectors in South Africa. Participants were selected using purposive sampling supplemented by snowball sampling. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. RESULTS: Sixty-three responses were received, yielding a response rate of 23.8%; most participants were employed in the private sector (68.3%). The most frequently reported perceived occupational stressors rated as at least moderately stressful were equipment malfunction (96.8%), non-cooperative patients during examinations (95.2%), lack of managerial support (93.7%), infrequently performed examinations (92.1%), and high daily workload (90.5%). Most demographic characteristics were not significantly associated with the highest-ranked stressors. A weak but significant association was observed between duration of employment at the current employer and perceived stress related to lack of managerial support (Spearman's ρ = 0.288, p = 0.02). CONCLUSION: The findings suggest that perceived occupational stressors among participating nuclear medicine radiographers were mainly related to organizational, operational, and service-delivery factors rather than specific demographic variables. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Workplace strategies that strengthen managerial support, staffing, equipment maintenance, resource management, and operational processes may help alleviate stress associated with occupational stressors in nuclear medicine practice.