Hand Eczema and Self-Reported Work Ability in Middle-Aged Cohort: A Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1966 Study.

BACKGROUND

Hand eczema (HE) can cause itching, fissures and pain, and reduce overall functioning, including the ability to work. However, few studies have examined self-rated work ability in individuals with HE.

OBJECTIVES

To investigate self-reported work ability in individuals with and without HE in a middle-aged cohort in the north of Finland.

METHODS

As part of the 46-year follow-up visit of a large birth cohort study program, participants were invited to complete an extensive questionnaire, which included questions about their education level, health status and health-related lifestyle. The presence of clinician -diagnosed HE was also reported as part of the questionnaire, as was participants' work capability, measured with the Work Ability Score.

RESULTS

HE was reported by 853/6643 (12.8%) participants, more commonly by females (15.6%) than males (9.5%; p < 0.001). Poor work ability was more frequent in participants with HE (23.9%) than those without (17.8%; p < 0.001). After adjusting for confounding factors (sex, education level, smoking status, physical activity, body mass index, symptoms of depression and musculoskeletal disorders) individuals with HE had a higher risk than those without of reporting poor work ability (adjusted odds ratio 1.33, 95% confidence interval, 1.09-1.62).

CONCLUSIONS

HE is associated with poor self-assessed work ability.