Hand eczema patients' knowledge of skin protection following a guided talk-A retrospective study with a follow-up questionnaire.

BACKGROUND

Several studies have assessed the effect of patient education regarding hand eczema (HE) severity and quality of life. Few studies, however, have evaluated patients' knowledge.

OBJECTIVES

To examine knowledge of skin protection in HE patients following a guided talk, and to identify variables associated with knowledge.

METHODS

HE patients referred to the outpatient dermatological clinic, Bispebjerg Hospital, between January 2013 and July 2014 were offered a guided talk on HE prevention. HE severity and the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) score were assessed. A questionnaire comprising 10 questions about skin protection was sent 1 to 2.5 years later.

RESULTS

One hundred and twenty patients responded to the questionnaire (response 53.5%). The mean percentage of correct answers was 74.7%. Sixty per cent responded correctly to at least eight questions. Male sex, older age and education for >5 years were associated with a low level of knowledge. Education for 3 to 4 years (P = 0.045) was associated with a higher level of knowledge. No significant impact of previous/current atopic dermatitis, HE severity or previous information on skin protection was found with respect to level of knowledge.

CONCLUSIONS

Females and patients with education for 3 to 4 years showed the highest level of knowledge, whereas males, older patients and patients with education for >5 years should be brought more into focus in skin protection programmes.