Abstract
BACKGROUND: Skin disorders accounted for one third of all recognised occupational diseases in Denmark in 2010. Wet work is a risk factor for the development of occupational hand eczema. The consequences of occupational hand eczema include sick leave, loss of job and impaired quality of life.
OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present study was to investigate exposures related to cleaning and the effect of an evidence-based educational intervention on the prevention of hand eczema among hospital cleaners.
PATIENTS/MATERIALS/METHODS: The intervention consisted of a 1 hr course in hand protective behaviour. All full-time cleaners working at Bispebjerg Hospital in January 2013 were invited to participate. The outcome measures were self-reported skin behaviour, exposures, knowledge of skin protection and hand eczema severity index (HECSI).
RESULTS: One hundred and five cleaners were invited to participate, of these 86 (82%) were included. At follow-up after 3 months there was a shift towards fewer daily hand washings and hand disinfections (p < 0.001 and p = 0.001 respectively). The number of correct answers to the knowledge questions rose from 6.3 to 7.3 (p = 0.006). The mean HECSI score decreased from 2.8 to 1.8 at follow-up (p = 0.002).
CONCLUSIONS: Data indicates a positive effect of a low-cost on-site educational intervention for hospital cleaners.
Originalsprog | Engelsk |
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Tidsskrift | Contact Dermatitis |
Vol/bind | 72 |
Udgave nummer | 1 |
Sider (fra-til) | 47-54 |
Antal sider | 8 |
ISSN | 0105-1873 |
DOI | |
Status | Udgivet - jan. 2015 |