Stress and job satisfaction in mammography radiographers

Previous research suggests that substantial numbers of health professionals experience undue levels of occupational stress. Little is yet known, however, about a recently established specialized group, namely radiographers who work in the UK National Health Service Breast Screening Programme. All 134 radiographers in the first wave of the programme were sent a postal questionnaire to determine how stressed they felt at work, how satisfied they were with the job, and what were the principal causes of stress and dissatisfaction. A total of 103 were returned, a response rate of 77%. The results showed that 30% reported high levels of stress, which is more than in most other professions, and that only 17% described themselves as 'very satisfied' with their jobs. The most important predictors of stress were problems of communication (mainly knowing what to tell the client) and conflicts between home and work. The most important predictor of dissatisfaction was role ambiguity. Ways of reducing stress and increasing satisfaction must be found if radiographers are to remain healthy and are to continue to work for the programme.