Mental Health Burden and its Associated Factors Among Radiation Therapists Working in Singapore - A National Study

Abstract

There has been an emphasis on mental health and its importance among healthcare workers in recent years. Radiation Therapists work in an oncological setting, where there is high stress due to cancer burden inflicted by patients and caregivers. The study was to assess the mental health strain and burden among radiation therapists working in Singapore. A nation-wide survey was conducted between March to June 2023. Eligible participants were identified and invited to participate in the survey. The three-part survey was carried out via an online platform and take about 20 minutes to complete. Participation is voluntary, responses are anonymous and no incentive will be offered for participation. Study protocol is approved by the Institutional Review Board. Seventy-five of the 174 eligible radiation therapists responded to the study. 80% work in restructured hospitals whereas 20% in the private. 88% of them work 5 days / week and 33.3% work in more than one section of the radiation therapy center in a work week. Chi-square test analyses were used to identify the mental health strains and their associated factors. There is not significant difference (p=0.796) in either gender feeling emotionally exhausted due to work. Employed in either restructured or private hospitals has no significant (p=0.614) in feeling burned out. 44% felt that being in direct contact with people at work is too stressful. However, there is a statistical significant difference (p=0.045) in the different marital status towards how they felt things were going their way. Our findings show that it is not statistically significant that radiation therapists experience major mental health strains associated with work or work / patients-related. Nevertheless, mitigation strategies can be introduced by providing avenues to seek mental health training in promoting better mental health.