| An abundance of multiple occupation studies exists on the association between job strain (high psychological demands and low decision latitude on the job) and blood pressure and hypertension, but a paucity of literature exists on single occupations, such as radiologic technology. This cross-sectional study utilized the demand-control-support model to examine the relationship between job strain and blood pressure, as well as hypertension, in the radiologic technology profession. A random sample of 111 New York City technologists, aged 25-65 years, was selected from the American Society of Radiologic Technologists mailing list and invited to fill out the Job Content Questionnaire. Average blood pressure was calculated from 6 casual blood pressure measurements obtained, over a period of 8 hours, from each participant. Hypertension was classified as self-reported physician-diagnosed hypertension, hypertension by blood pressure measurement, and uncontrolled hypertension. Chi-square, t test, ANOVA, linear regression, and logistic regression analyses indicated no significant association between job strain and blood pressure or hypertension among radiologic technologists (p > 0.05). Gender and total social support had no significant modifying effect on job strain and hypertension (p > 0.05). This study augmented the literature available on single-occupation job strain studies and may contribute to positive social change in the radiologic technology profession by raising practitioners' awareness of the effects of job strain and serving as a catalyst to advocate for change in the organization of work in radiology departments. |
