P-20 Factors that Influence Occupational Stress among Medical Laboratory Technicians in Trinidad and Tobago

Methods: Purposive sampling was used to select MLTs employed in T&T. Data were collected via the Pressure Point Indicator method, which gathered both quantitative and qualitative responses. A structured online questionnaire using a 6-point Likert scale assessed five areas: socio-demographics, organizational culture, job satisfaction, perceived influence, and physical health. This preliminary study aims to highlight the topic as deserving of further research.

Results: Of the 34 respondents, 19 completed the survey in its entirety: 30% aged 25-34 years, 47% aged 35-44 years, 77% were female, 80% worked in the public healthcare system, and 97% were based in Trinidad, with 3% in Tobago. The primary sources of occupational stress identified were lack of consultation and communication (94%), low morale and poor organizational climate (89%), and inadequate support from superiors (89%). Physical and behavioural symptoms were common, with 95% of respondents reporting unaccountable tiredness (50% frequently), 35% experiencing frequent or very frequent low energy, and 55% reporting regular headaches. Additionally, 60% indicated increased engagement in unhealthy habits such as overeating, drinking, or smoking. These findings underscore the negative impact of stress on health, productivity, job satisfaction, and turnover, with potential implications for the quality of service in medical laboratories nationwide.

Conclusion: Consequently, it is recommended that more work be done to first assess and then address the stressors of MLTs at their workplaces, with a view to reducing the likelihood of stress-related negative impacts on patient care, medical errors, and physical burnout of the practitioners themselves.