Prevalence of hand dermatitis among hospital nurses working in a tropical environment.
BACKGROUND
Although hand dermatitis (HD) is a common occupational problem among hospital nurses, few epidemiological studies of this disease have been conducted in regional areas or tropical environments.


OBJECTIVE
The aim of our investigation was, therefore, to investigate HD prevalence and correlates among nurses within a unique Australian setting.


METHODS
We recruited a cohort of 148 female nurses from a large tertiary hospital in north Queensland, Australia, and administered a previously validated, self-reporting HD questionnaire.


RESULTS
The 12-month period prevalence ranged from 43.2% to 59.3%, with an overall group mean of 50.0%. There were no statistically significant differences in HD prevalence between the different hospital wards (p=0.4238). During multiple logistic regression, a history of allergic rash was shown to increase the HD risk 5.5-fold (odds ratio: 5.5, 95% CI: 1.9-19.2, p=0.0038). The risk of HD was also related to increased hand washing frequency (OR 5.8, 95% CI: 1.1-33.4, p=0.0402).


CONCLUSIONS
Overall, the occurrence of HD among Australian nurses was relatively consistent across the various hospital wards. Their 12-month period-prevalence of HD was, however, generally higher than previous reports from other countries.
Smith
Derek R
DR
National Institute of Industrial Health, Kawasaki, Japan.
Smyth
Wenndy
W
Leggat
Peter A
PA
Wang
Rui-Sheng
RS
D000328:Adult; D000428:Alcohol Drinking / Q000453:epidemiology; D015331:Cohort Studies; D015897:Comorbidity; D005260:Female; D005932:Gloves, Surgical / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006229:Hand Dermatoses / Q000453:epidemiology*; D006235:Hand Disinfection; D006801:Humans; D020315:Latex Hypersensitivity / Q000453:epidemiology; D016015:Logistic Models; D009741:Nursing Staff, Hospital / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology*; D016017:Odds Ratio; D015995:Prevalence; D011793:Queensland / Q000453:epidemiology; D012907:Smoking / Q000453:epidemiology; D014329:Tropical Climate