Stress and burnout in radiology healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic

The worldwide novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has led to psychological stress in health workers (HCWs). In this study, we aimed to assess the psychological impact of COVID-19 on a group of front-line HCWs, namely, radiology department staff, and demonstrate how this pandemic has affected their lives. Between May 21 and June 25, 2020, radiology staff (RS), including technicians, technologists, and other RS from hospitals across different regions of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia were invited to complete an online questionnaire regarding concerns and fears about the COVID-19 pandemic, along with the 10-item Perceived Stress Scale. Among the 1051 radiology staff respondents, 66.6% were men and 33.4% were women. Women and married staff showed significantly higher stress scores than men, and single staff, respectively. The 40-49 age group scored the least on the stress scale. Staff with a history of mental illness showed a significantly higher stress on the scale. The COVID-19 imposes a significant level of anxiety and stress on radiology staff involved in caring for infected patients, with their main concern being at risk of transmitting the infection to their families or acquiring it themselves. The need for psychological education and support for radiology staff as front-line HCWs is important for improving their psychological tolerance and reducing stress.