'Patient's delay'--analysis of the preclinical phase of occupational dermatoses.

BACKGROUND

In order to cure diseases effectively it is important that they are detected in their early stages so that medical precautions can be taken. With job-related disorders it is conceivable that anxiety concerning the workplace, as well as other factors of a demanding nature, may lead to a further delay of diagnosis and treatment.

OBJECTIVE

The study was carried out for the purpose of gathering information about the patients' reactions in the preclinical phase of job-related eczema.

METHODS

79 patients suffering from a job-related skin disease were questioned. The patients were divided up into groups according to their respective delay and the results evaluated in line with the method of logistic regression.

RESULTS

The average delay was 8.6 months. Fear of losing their job was mentioned by most participants as the reason for the postponement of seeking medical care. People with a long delay were mainly men, senior and Swiss citizens, those with a higher education and those with a longer professional training.

CONCLUSION

Patient delay in occupational dermatology highly depends on the support of employers and on the counseling of workers on job-related skin disease and their insurance protection.