HEALTHY LIFESTYLE INTERVENTIONS AMONG MEDICAL LABORATORY SCIENTISTS IN SELECTED PUBLIC LABORATORY FACILITIES IN EASTERN CAPE PROVINCE

Abstract

 Introduction: Medical laboratory scientists often face unique stressors and lifestyle constraints that can compromise their well-being. This study examined workplace-related factors influencing healthy lifestyle practices among medical laboratory scientists in public laboratory facilities in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. Methods: A qualitative phenomenological design was employed. Twenty medical laboratory scientists from ten public diagnostic laboratories were recruited using snowball sampling. Data were collected through semi-structured, in-depth virtual interviews conducted via Microsoft Teams. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using Braun and Clarke’s thematic analysis framework, supported by NVivo software. Results: Participants identified multiple barriers to maintaining healthy lifestyles, including long, irregular working hours, high workloads, fatigue, limited access to nutritious food, and inadequate social and organizational support. Workplace wellness initiatives were perceived as limited and poorly aligned with staff needs, while managerial support was often insufficient. Conclusion: Healthy lifestyle practices among medical laboratory scientists are strongly influenced by organizational and structural workplace conditions. System-level interventions, including structured wellness programmes and supportive leadership, are essential to improve staff well-being.