The perspectives of the radiography workforce towards the covid-19 outbreak in Sri Lanka

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has posed significant challenges to healthcare workers globally. The Radiography Work Force (RWF), being an essential part of the frontline healthcare team, plays a crucial role in diagnosing and managing COVID-19 cases. This study aimed to assess the perspectives of the RWF in Sri Lanka towards the pandemic. A cross-sectionalsurvey was conducted, and data was collected through an online questionnaire. The study included 201 radiographers and radiotherapists, both from government and private hospitals. The demographic analysis showed a diverse representation of age, gender, and workplace settings. The majority (99.4%) of participants recognized the importance of the RWF in combating the pandemic and acknowledged the increased risk of infection, associated with their work. However, while 75.6% of participants reported that their family, friends, and partners were affected by their work- related stress, only 24.4% believed they received adequate social and psychological support at their workplace. However, concerns were raised about the availability of PPE in the workplace. The study highlighted the high levels of stress and fear experienced by the RWF due to the pandemic. The major stressors identified were the fear of contracting the virus (77.6%) and an increased workload (62.4%). Many participants (61.7%) recognized the need for professional help to cope with the stress, emphasizing the importance of addressing mental health concerns among healthcare workers. This study shed light on the perceptions of RWF in Sri Lanka towards COVID-19. The RWF acknowledges its crucial role in the healthcare system but highlights the challenges faced including stress, fear, and concerns about infection control. Addressing these concerns and providing adequate support is crucial. Further research and tailored interventions are necessary to better understand and mitigate the challenges faced by RWF during similar crises.