ABSTRACT
This study investigates the relationship between job stress and its impact on the productivity of radiographers working in tertiary institutions in Enugu metropolis. The entire population will make the sample size and it will be used because it appears to be small. The researcher will use a convenient sampling method. The sample consists of 50 Radiographers from five leading tertiary institutions in Enugu metropolis. Primary data will be collected directly from the radiographers using structured-type questionnaires consisting of 4 sections. A conceptual framework was developed regarding the causes of stress among radiographers. The greatest cause of stress was high workload while the most popular coping mechanism was booking modifications (better appointment system).. The conceptual framework and methods of coping with stress reported in this study have important implications for professional practice and future research in Nigeria and beyond. Changes in work practices such as employment of more radiographers, positive attitude of management towards radiographers will reduce stress among radiographers in Enugu and beyond.
Key words: Stress, radiographer, stressors.
LIST OF TABLES
TABLE 1:Demographic data.
TABLE 2:Demographic data continued.
TABLE 3:Possible stress factors.
TABLE 4: Impact of stress on radiographer.
TABLE 5:Destressors at work/ Coping Mechanisms
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Title page……………………………………………………………………………….i
Approval page………………………………………………………………………….ii
Certification page………………………………………..…………………………….iii
Acknowledgement……………………………………………………………………..iv
Dedication……………………………………………….……………………………..v
List of Tables…………………………………………………………………………vi
Abstract…………………………………………………………………………………vii
Table of contents……………………………………….………………………………viii
Chapter One: Introduction
1.1 Background of study…..………………………………………………1
1.2 Statement of problems………………………………………………...3
1.3 Objective of study……………………………………………………….3
1.4 Significance of study…………………………………………………...4
1.5 Scope of study……………………………………………………..………4
Chapter Two: Review of related literature
2.1 Definition of stress………………………………………………………5
2.2 Theoretical background…………………………..……………….....9
2.3 Health……………………………………………………………………...…13
2.4 Relationship between stress and health……………………….14
2.5 Coping mechanisms…………………………………………………….....15
Chapter Three : Research Methodology
3.1 Research design…………………………………………………………..18
3.2 Target population……………………………………………………….18
3.3 Sample size and sampling technique……………………………...18
3.4 Instrument of data collection…………………………………….19
Chapter Four : Data-Presentation and Analysis of Result............20
Chapter Five: Discussion.
5.1 Implication of result…………….………………… 26
5.2 Conclusion……………………………………….……………………….30
5.3 Recommendations……………………………………………………....31
5.4 Limitations of the study…………………………………………….31
5.5 Area of further research…………………………………………...32
References
Appendix
INTRODUCTION
Stress is defined as an interference disturbing individual’s well being physically, mentally and psychologically.
It can also be defined as any factor which threatens the health or well being of the body or has an adverse effect on its functioning; such as injury, disease or worry. The existence of one form of stress, tends to diminish the body’s resistance to other forms of stress because constant stress brings about changes in the balance of hormones and receptors in the body and this can affect human’s productivity and potentials.
Productivity is said to be the rate at which an individual (radiographer in this case) makes a possible outcome from the quantity of materials made available to him for the services.
Studies have shown that stress has impact on the productivity of health care professionals. Among these professionals which includes radiographers who occupy a vital position in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases. The radiographer who uses sophisticated equipments such as computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, ultrasound, therapy machines for diagnosis and therapeutic purposes undergo lots of stress in order to make accurate, quick and detailed diagnosis for the treatment of diseases.
Most times, they will have to adjust the machines in order to achieve a better( modified) view of some body parts that may not be properly visualized using the basic views, especially for traumatized, very ill ,un conscious and/ or patient on life supporting devices and this, add a great deal of stress on the radiographers .
Moreover, there are stressors that may affect the radiographer such as ; long working hours, poor remuneration compared to the work load, lack of protective devices from radiation and infectious diseases, inhalation of chemicals ,difficult patients and frequent interruption by other departmental staff.
Apart from the aforementioned, the frequent navigation of most of the heavy X-ray equipment in order to achieve a satisfactory result also contributes immensely to stress encountered by the radiographer. Work done in the case of patient positioning, proper grid and cassette alignment and other devices can add to the stress encountered by the radiographer in the course of his work.
All these stressors may affect the productivity and thus the potentials of the radiographer because they may lead to behavioral change, low work morale, psychosomatic diseases and even coronary heart diseases.
Apart from the aforementioned, a stressed radiographer can make mistakes in writing the patient’s reports which can in turn , affect the quality of healthcare given to the patient. On the other hand , exposure to radiation on the radiographer can cause fatigue, infertility and may even induce radiogenic cancer. This has led to many radiographers especially females ,abandoning the profession which eventually leads to a drop In the number of practicing radiographers in the various institutions, the work load now falls on the remaining workers ,giving rise to an increased level of stress on them.
Hence this study is aimed at evaluating the impact of stress on the productivity of radiographers working in tertiary institutions in Enugu metropolis.