Prevalence and risk factors of hand eczema in hospital-based nurses in northern China.

BACKGROUND/

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of hand eczema among nurses in northern China and to analyse associated risk factors.

METHODS

A retrospective self-reported questionnaire was designed and distributed to 1322 nurses who were selected from three regional hospitals. Risk factors related to hand eczema in nurses were analysed using multivariable logistic regression.

RESULTS

Hand eczema was present in 183/934 respondents (20%) and was not significantly associated with gender or workplace (P > 0.05). Factors such as the use of moisturiser (odds ratio [OR] 0.6; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.3-1.0) and not wearing impervious gloves (OR 0.5; 95% CI 0.3-0.7) were associated with lower odds of developing hand eczema. A personal (OR 5.7; 95% CI 3.9-8.2) and family history (OR 2.3; 95% CI 1.5-3.5) of atopy, washing hands more than 20 times per day (OR 1.6; 95% CI 1.1-2.4), and more years working as a nurse (OR 1.1; 95% CI 1.0-1.1) were associated with higher odds of developing hand eczema.

CONCLUSIONS

A personal and familial history of atopy, the prolonged use of impervious gloves, washing hands more than 20 times per day and more years in work as a nurse are all risk factors for increased hand eczema in nurses.