1200 Prevalence and risk factors for hand eczema among norwegian specialist nurses: a cross-sectional study

Background Hand eczema (HE), the most frequent work-related skin disease, is common among health workers, but knowledge about its occurrence in Norwegian specialist nurses is scarce. We aimed to investigate the prevalence of hand eczema and identify occupational and non-occupational risk factors among specialist nurses working at the Oslo University Hospital. Methods A cross-sectional survey of 115 specialist nurses (surgical and anestesics) was performed by using an adapted version of the Nordic Occupational Skin Questionnaire (NOSQ 2002-Norwegian), which includes standardised questions for HE, occupational and non-occupational exposures. Analyses comprised descriptive statistics and logistic regression (STATA 14). Results The participation frequency was 99.1%. Nearly three-quarters of the participants reported skin symptoms during the last 12 months. The lifetime prevalence, one-year prevalence and point prevalence of HE was 27.19%, 17.54%, and 11.40%; the prevalence of work-related HE was 14.9%. Although HE was more common in women, we did not find an association between sex and HE. Age, childhood eczema, and amount of years working as a specialist nurse were consistent predictors for work-related HE. Time spent using protective gloves did not predict work-related HE, but self-reported skin symptoms when using protective gloves was a consistent predictor. The most common aggravating factors at work comprised hand cleaning and disinfection, water and winter season. Domestic exposures (food preparation, cleaning/washing, care for children under 4 years, contact with animals) did not predict either HE or work-related HE. Conclusion The one-year prevalence for HE was almost twice, and for work-related HE was nearly thrice than in the general population. The occurrence of work-related HE was associated with older age, childhood eczema, amount of years working as specialist nurse, and skin symptoms when wearing protective gloves. A potential healthy worker survivor effect may underestimate the prevalence figures and associations reported here. Prevention strategies focusing on skin care and protection should be developed for specialist nurses.