TY - JOUR
T1 - Evaluation of Health Education Based on Pictograms and Video Sequences in the Prevention of Hand Eczema Among Hospital Cleaners
T2 - A Cluster-Randomised Controlled Trial With 24 Weeks Follow-Up
AU - Sedeh, Farnam Barati
AU - Ullum, Anna Glenn
AU - Christensen, Karl Bang
AU - Mortensen, Ole Steen
AU - Michaelsdóttir, Thórunn Elísabet
AU - Stückler, Sarah Gharabaghi
AU - Jemec, Gregor Borut Ernst
AU - Ibler, Kristina Sophie
N1 - © 2025 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
PY - 2025/5
Y1 - 2025/5
N2 - BACKGROUND: Hand eczema (HE) is common among hospital cleaners, yet no specific prevention programme exists for this group in Denmark.OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effectiveness of visual aids (pictograms and video scenes) based on evidence-based skin care and protection recommendations on HE outcomes, focusing on disease severity, point prevalence and skin care and protection knowledge.METHODS: A cluster-randomised controlled trial was conducted in professional cleaners from three Danish hospitals. Intervention Group A received pictograms, video clips and a short group-based educational session. Intervention Group B received only pictograms and video clips. The control group received treatment as usual. HE severity and prevalence were assessed clinically, while knowledge was measured using self-reported data.RESULTS: Out of 234 invited cleaners, 224 (96%) participated (Intervention Group A: 73, Intervention Group B: 78, Control Group: 73). After 24 weeks, both intervention groups showed significant reductions in HE severity and prevalence compared to the control group. Knowledge of skin care and protection also improved significantly in both intervention groups.CONCLUSION: Visual aids effectively reduced HE prevalence and severity in hospital cleaners. Pictograms are a cost-effective strategy that can be widely implemented, addressing the substantial burden of HE in the cleaning industry across diverse settings.
AB - BACKGROUND: Hand eczema (HE) is common among hospital cleaners, yet no specific prevention programme exists for this group in Denmark.OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effectiveness of visual aids (pictograms and video scenes) based on evidence-based skin care and protection recommendations on HE outcomes, focusing on disease severity, point prevalence and skin care and protection knowledge.METHODS: A cluster-randomised controlled trial was conducted in professional cleaners from three Danish hospitals. Intervention Group A received pictograms, video clips and a short group-based educational session. Intervention Group B received only pictograms and video clips. The control group received treatment as usual. HE severity and prevalence were assessed clinically, while knowledge was measured using self-reported data.RESULTS: Out of 234 invited cleaners, 224 (96%) participated (Intervention Group A: 73, Intervention Group B: 78, Control Group: 73). After 24 weeks, both intervention groups showed significant reductions in HE severity and prevalence compared to the control group. Knowledge of skin care and protection also improved significantly in both intervention groups.CONCLUSION: Visual aids effectively reduced HE prevalence and severity in hospital cleaners. Pictograms are a cost-effective strategy that can be widely implemented, addressing the substantial burden of HE in the cleaning industry across diverse settings.
KW - Adult
KW - Audiovisual Aids
KW - Denmark/epidemiology
KW - Dermatitis, Occupational/prevention & control
KW - Eczema/prevention & control
KW - Female
KW - Follow-Up Studies
KW - Hand Dermatoses/prevention & control
KW - Health Education/methods
KW - Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
KW - Humans
KW - Male
KW - Middle Aged
KW - Personnel, Hospital/education
KW - Prevalence
KW - Severity of Illness Index
KW - Skin Care/methods
KW - contact dermatitis
KW - pictogram
KW - prevention
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=85214512990&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1111/cod.14741
DO - 10.1111/cod.14741
M3 - Journal article
C2 - 39777738
SN - 0105-1873
VL - 92
SP - 367
EP - 379
JO - Contact Dermatitis
JF - Contact Dermatitis
IS - 5
ER -