Occupational burnout, sources of work-related stress, and Effort-Reward imbalance among hospital-based radiographers in Indonesia: A nationwide survey.

INTRODUCTION

Radiographers face various risks related to technical demands, radiation safety, workload, and workforce limitations. No research in Indonesia has comprehensively examined burnout outcomes, sources of work stress, and perceived effort-reward. This national survey aims to explore occupational burnout, sources of work-related stress, and effort-reward imbalance among hospital-based radiographers in Indonesia.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study involved 511 hospital-based radiographers in several provinces in Indonesia using convenience sampling. An online questionnaire was distributed, assessing demographic data, job characteristics, source of stress risk using the HSE Stress Indicator Tool, effort-reward imbalance using the Effort-Reward Imbalance Questionnaire (ERI), and burnout levels using the Oldenburg Burnout Inventory (OLBI). Data were analyzed descriptively and statistically.

RESULTS

The prevalence of burnout was 47.2% (n = 241), followed by disengagement (21.3%; n = 109), no burnout (22.5%; n = 115), and exhaustion (9.0%; n = 46). Most respondents reported an effort-reward ratio of less than 1, indicating that the perceived reward is commensurate with the effort. Job control, manager and peer support, and role clarity were identified as domains requiring improvement. The relationship between employment status, shift work patterns, and availability of psychological counseling services and burnout showed p < 0.05.

CONCLUSION

Burnout is a problem among hospital radiographers in Indonesia. While rewards are generally commensurate with effort, improvements are needed in terms of job control, manager and peer support, and role clarity. Work shift patterns, employment status, and the availability of psychological counseling services are associated with burnout.

IMPLICATION FOR PRACTICE: Healthcare institutions should prioritize comprehensive organizational interventions to reduce burnout, including healthier shift systems, stronger workplace support, improved role clarity, equitable working conditions, and accessible psychological counseling services. These strategies may enhance radiographers' well-being.