The epidemiology of work-related neck pain in diagnostic radiographers working in the eThekwini Municipality

Abstract

Diagnostic radiography is a branch of radiography that is primarily involved with the diagnosis of disease through diagnostic imaging. Additionally, diagnostic radiographers are predisposed to work-related risk factors due to the work that they perform daily and, as result, they are at risk of developing work-related neck pain (WRNP). Investigating the prevalence and work-related risk factors associated among diagnostic radiographers will create awareness amongst diagnostic radiographers and healthcare providers. Furthermore, in a South African context, this will add updated knowledge to the current literature that exists. AIM The aim of the study was to determine the epidemiology of work-related neck pain in diagnostic radiographers working within the eThekwini municipality. METHODOLOGY The study used a quantitative approach and a descriptive cross sectional survey design. A total 130 participants were recruited for this study. The population sample included qualified diagnostic radiographers who were employed within the eThekwini municipality in the public and private sectors. The questionnaire was distributed and answered either via Hardcopies or QUESTIOPRO® link. All the data were then imported into SPSS version 26 for analysis RESULTS A total of 61 participants had reported WRNP and hence the prevalence rate was 65.6%. The study also reported that females are more likely to have WRNP. Furthermore, the selected risk factors showed that more than 50% of radiographers with WRNP had worked over-time shifts, 75.4% of radiographers experienced neck pain from wearing lead protective gear, 78.7% of radiographers from the study had neck pain from lifting and positioning heavy equipment and machinery, and 47.5% of the participants who had WRNP had a history of a previously diagnosed neck condition. Additionally, 59% of participants had taken leave from work because of WRNP. CONCLUSION This study revealed a high WRNP prevalence rate among diagnostic radiographers working within the eThekwini municipality. The results found in this study shared similar findings from various local and international studies. Due to the high prevalence of WRNP, it is highly recommended that management protocols at work should be investigated to aid diagnostic radiographers.