Work conditions and health of radiology departments' staff at Kaunas health care settings

Professional health of workers in health care system depends on volume and specifics of work. Nowadays, the significance of radiology tests is relatively high, and the number of tests is increasing. Wide application of sources of ionization and chemical substances is directly related with the risk of occupational diseases for health care staff working under such conditions. Aim of the study: to evaluate the health complaints and its relationship with work conditions of radiology departments' staff (radiologists and laboratory workers) at Kaunas health care settings. Material and methods. The study was conducted in January–February 2008. The sample included radiology staff of 8 health care settings in Kaunas. Anonymous questionnaire was received from 188 subjects (response rate 77,5%). The questionnaire was constructed for evaluation of health and work conditions. Statistical data analysis was performed using statistical package „SPSS for Windows 13.0“. Results. Altogether, 87,8% of staff works in ionized environment and 47,9% in chemically polluted conditions. The requirements of security at work are fulfilled by 62,2% of responders. More than half of responders (56,9%) relate their subjective health changes with work environment. Among laboratory workers this relationship is stronger than among radiologists (p