Psychosocial risk factors in work with ionizing radiation in a hospital in Mexico City

Abstract

Introduction: Personnel occupationally exposed (POE) to ionizing radiation work in a high-demand environment where the assessment of physical risks has traditionally taken precedence over psychosocial risks. In Mexico, standard NOM-035-STPS-2018 regulates these factors, yet there is a scarcity of specific literature regarding their impact on POE. The objective was to analyze the association between psychosocial risk factors and the prevalence of symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress among POE at a hospital in Mexico City. Method: A cross-sectional, observational, descriptive, and quantitative study (November 2025–January 2026; n = 105 workers in diagnostic radiology, radiotherapy, and nuclear medicine). Data were collected using a sociodemographic questionnaire, Reference Guide III of NOM-035-STPS-2018, and the DASS-12 instrument. Statistical analyses included Spearman correlation, Kruskal-Wallis, Dunn, Chi-square, Mann-Whitney U, and multiple logistic regression tests. Results: 63.8% of the POE exhibited moderate to very high psychosocial risk; workload was the most affected domain (61%). 52.5% showed a presumptive diagnosis of stress, with no presumptive cases of anxiety or depression. Work schedule (OR = 1.535, p = .038) and lack of performance recognition (OR = 1.347, p = .002) were independent predictors of stress; age and education level acted as protective factors. Conclusions: POE constitute a hospital population vulnerable to psychosocial risk, a finding consistent with international literature on healthcare personnel. Urgent organizational interventions are required, including schedule optimization, positive leadership, and equitable performance recognition.