Symanzik C, Stasielowicz L, Brans R, Skudlik C, John SM. Prevention of occupational hand eczema in healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic: a controlled intervention study.
Contact Dermatitis 2022;
87:500-510. [PMID:
35989622 PMCID:
PMC9538141 DOI:
10.1111/cod.14206]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2022] [Revised: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Occupational hand eczema (HE) is common among healthcare workers (HCWs) and has - in some regions of the world - increased during the COVID-19 pandemic due to related hygiene measures.
OBJECTIVES
To evaluate the efficacy of an intervention for HE prevention in HCWs during the pandemic.
METHODS
A prospective, controlled, unblinded interventional trial was conducted in 302 HCWs. The intervention group (IG) (n = 135) received online-based health education and free access to hand cleansing and hand care products. The control group (CG) (n = 167) did not receive any intervention within the study. At baseline (T0), after three (T1) and six (T2) months, participants completed standardised questionnaires. The Osnabrueck Hand Eczema Severity Index (OHSI) was assessed at T0 and T2.
RESULTS
During the observation period, there were no new HE cases in the IG (n = 115) and 12 cases (8.8%) in the CG (n = 136). OHSI values at T2 were lower in the IG (b = -1.44, P < 0.001). Daily use of emollients was higher at work (b = 1.73, P < 0.001) and at home (b = 1.62, P < 0.001) in the IG at T2.
CONCLUSIONS
The intervention was effective in HE prevention and improving skin care behaviour during the COVID-19 pandemic. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
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