Prevalence of skin and back diseases in geriatric care nurses.

OBJECTIVES

The prevalence of hand eczema, low back disorders (LBD) and neck/shoulder disorders (NSD) in geriatric nurses and the association of work-related factors with hand eczema, LBD and NSD in geriatric nurses were examined.

METHODS

The cross-sectional study comprises 1,390 nurses and nursing aides. Nurses underwent clinical examinations of their hands and their back and answered a questionnaire. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) for putative risk factors were calculated by logistic regression.

RESULTS

The point prevalence of hand eczema was 18.0%. Disposing factors, like atopic eczema in childhood and dry or itching body skin, were statistically significant risk factors for irritant skin changes. Hand cleaning and hand care were not predictive for hand eczema. LBD was observed in 47.9% and NSD in 16.6% of the nurses. Increasing age and years in the nursing profession, prior treatment of back disorder and psychological stress were significant risk factors for LBD and NSD.

CONCLUSIONS

Hand eczema and LBD or NSD are often found in geriatric nurses. Therefore, workplace-related health promotion should be improved for geriatric nurses.