Exposure and work-related factors in subjects with hand eczema: data from a cross-sectional questionnaire within the Lifelines Cohort study.
Contact Dermatitis 2022;
86:493-506. [PMID:
35122264 PMCID:
PMC9314613 DOI:
10.1111/cod.14066]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2021] [Revised: 01/31/2022] [Accepted: 02/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Hand eczema (HE) is the most frequent occupational skin disease. However, studies on non-occupational wet exposure, occupations not considered as high-risk, and socioeconomic factors are scarce.
OBJECTIVES
To investigate the association between HE and occupational and non-occupational wet exposure and work-related factors in the Dutch general population.
METHODS
Within the Lifelines Cohort Study, participants with HE were identified by a digital add-on questionnaire, including questions regarding exposure. Data on work-related and socioeconomic factors were collected from baseline.
RESULTS
Overall, 57 046 participants (42.0%) were included. Occupational and non-occupational wet exposure were positive associated with HE in the past year (Odds Ratios (OR) 1.35 95% confidence interval (CI) [1.22-1.49] and OR 1.34 95% CI [1.17-1.53], respectively). Positive associations for high-risk occupations (OR 1.20 95% CI [1.06-1.36] for personal care workers in health services and OR 1.25 95% CI [1.06-1.48] for nursing and midwifery professionals), occupations not considered as high-risk (OR 1.19 95% CI [1.03-1.39 for legal, social and religious associate professionals) and higher levels of education were found (OR 1.17 95% CI [1.04-1.32] and OR 1.18 95% CI [1.04-1.34] for middle and high level, respectively).
CONCLUSION
Preventive strategies for HE should focus on avoidance of all exposure to wet, regardless of origin. In addition, job tasks instead of job title should be taken into account. As previous results on the association between HE and socioeconomic factors differ, future research should focus on a uniform definition. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
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