PERCEIVED OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH PROBLEMS OF RADIOGRAPHIC PRACTICES AMONG WORKERS IN HEALTH INSTITUTIONS IN RIVERS STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

This study examined the occupational health problems of radiographic practices among workers in health institutions in Rivers State. The study adopted the cross-sectional design with a population consisting of 406 radiographic workers in Rivers State which were all included in the study. A structured self-developed questionnaire titled, “Occupational Health Problem of Radiographic Practice Questionnaire (OHPRQ)” with a reliability coefficient of 0.79 was used for data collection. Data was analyzed with the aid of the Statistical Product for Service Solution (SPSS) version 23.0, using percentage, mean, and standard deviation. The result showed that the physical health problems of radiographic practices are: radiation sickness (2.94±0.81); genetic mutation (3.02±0.83), increased risks of cancer (2.94±0.79), and musculoskeletal issues (2.69±0.81). The mental health problems of radiographic practices are: stress on the brain of the workers (2.81±0.88); increased anxiety (2.73±0.89), mood swing (2.54±0.87); and loss of concentration due to ray disturbance (2.52±0.85). The social health problems are: family crisis (2.57±0.93); aggressive behaviour (2.57±0.84), and patients’ unruly behaviour (2.51±0.87). Based on the findings of the study, it was concluded that, radiographic practice is not without health problems because of the exposure of the workers to radiation during the process or procedure. It was recommended among others that the head of department in the radiography and imaging units in each of the health care facilities should intensify their effort in maintaining a high level of radiation safety in other to protect their health.