Women in Radiography Practice in Ghana: Motivating and Demotivating Factors

Abstract

Purpose: To investigate and establish reasons for the smaller but increasing population of female radiographers in Ghana, and to evaluate the motivating and demotivating contributory factors associated with women's choice of the profession.

Methods: A descriptive quantitative survey design and a purposive sampling technique were used to recruit participants from hospitals, clinics, and private imaging centers in Ghana. Forty registered female radiographers were invited to participate in the survey, and 30 participants completed and returned the questionnaires.

Results: Fear of the possible effects of radiation exposure (57%) and other associated risks were identified by female radiographers as the primary reasons for the low number of women practicing radiography. Lack of training centers and lecturers (27%) and lack of books (23%) were other major demotivating factors. Job security (23%) and a desire to work in a hospital (30%) motivated their continued practice.

Discussion: Most of the motivating and demotivating factors found in this study were in agreement with the literature; however, approximately 27% of the respondents observed that lack of training centers and lecturers were the main challenges encountered during their professional studies, which is inconsistent with 1 study that found that the primary detractors for radiography students included poor remuneration, radiation hazards, poor societal recognition, lifestyle of radiographers, curriculum content, lack of a professional title, and male dominance.

Conclusion: The number of women practicing radiography in Ghana is increasing. The male-to-female ratio is estimated to be 3 to 1. Although fear of the biologic effects of working with radiation was demotivating, job availability and a desire to work in health facilities were motivating. The need for effective career guidance and continued education at the high school level was identified as necessary to abate fears about the risks of working with radiation and to increase the number of women practicing radiography in Ghana.

Keywords: motivating and demotivating factors; practice; radiography; women.