Prevalence and correlates of hand dermatitis among nurses in a Japanese teaching hospital.
BACKGROUND
Although hand dermatitis represents a common occupational disease among hospital nurses, epidemiologic studies of this nature are comparatively rare in Japan.


METHODS
We recruited a complete cross-section of nurses from a teaching hospital in central Japan. Data was gathered by means of a self-reported questionnaire, with hand dermatitis symptoms and evaluation criteria drawn from previously validated research. Participants were categorised according to their hospital department during the analysis.


RESULTS
A total of 305 questionnaires were successfully completed and returned (response rate: 84%). There were statistically significant differences in hand dermatitis prevalence between the departments (p < 0.05), ranging from 6% in psychiatry to 48% in the surgical unit and averaging 35% across the entire group. A history of allergic disease was shown to increase the risk of hand dermatitis (odds ratio = 3.7, 95% confidence interval: 2.1 - 6.6). Washing their hands more than 15 times per work shift also increased the risk (odds ratio = 2.0, 95% confidence interval: 1.2 - 3.4).


CONCLUSIONS
This study has shown that hand dermatitis prevalence varies among Japanese nurses depending on their hospital department, and is generally quite high when compared to other reports.
Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Yamanashi, Tamaho, Japan.
Derek Richard
DR
Smith
Kumeko
K
Ohmura
Zentaro
Z
Yamagata
D000328:Adult; D000428:Alcohol Drinking / Q000453:epidemiology; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004651:Employment / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D017575:Gloves, Protective / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006229:Hand Dermatoses / Q000453:epidemiology*; D006235:Hand Disinfection; D006784:Hospitals, Teaching / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D006967:Hypersensitivity / Q000453:epidemiology; D007564:Japan / Q000453:epidemiology; D007840:Latex; D009741:Nursing Staff, Hospital / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology*; D015995:Prevalence; D012044:Regression Analysis; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D012907:Smoking / Q000453:epidemiology; D013995:Time
D007840:Latex