Hand eczema among Hong Kong nurses: a self-report questionnaire survey conducted in a regional hospital.

BACKGROUND

Hand eczema is common in the nursing profession, and has been reported widely in various parts of the world.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and severity of hand eczema among nurses working in a regional hospital in Hong Kong, as well as its psychosocial impact and any possible associated risk factors.

PATIENTS/MATERIALS/METHODS: The study took the form of a self-report questionnaire survey; 1240 nurses in a regional hospital were asked to participate in the survey by completing the questionnaire and returning it anonymously within 2 weeks.

RESULTS

Seven hundred and twenty-four nurses returned the questionnaire (a response rate of 59%). The prevalence of hand eczema among the respondents was 22.1% (160/724). More than 90% had moderate to severe hand eczema. Itchiness and dryness were the most common symptoms. Occupational work, housework, mood, social activities and sleep were particularly affected. Multinomial logistic regressions showed that a personal or family history of atopy and a hand washing frequency of >20 times per day were independent risk factors for hand eczema.

CONCLUSIONS

Hand eczema is common and severe among Hong Kong nurses. The results of this study suggest that hand eczema is an important problem for nurses and that preventive measures should be emphasized.