The Prevalence and Associated Factors of Hand Dermatitis in Cleaners at A Cleansing Service Company in Bangkok

Abstract

The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence and associated factors of hand dermatitis in cleaners at a cleansing service company. A cross-sectional survey was conducted during April 2008 from 552 cleaners aged ≥ 18 years old. Data were collected by self administrated questionnaire and physical examination in cleaners,the diagnose was making when 2 or more of signs and symptoms of the following erythema, vesicle, papule, serum oozing, scale, fissure, lichenification, urticaria, and itching or burning. Totally 434 recruits were participated in the study, with the participation rate of 78.6 %.

The results shown that the prevalence of hand dermatitis between March 2007 to April 2008 was 13.4 %. The most prevalence of hand dermatitis also show that female were more often affected than male and most frequence in young cleaners with age ≤ 30 years old and shorter duration of work. Factors which were statistically significant associated with hand dermatitis were history of atopy, family history of atopy, duration for gloves used and chemical exposure such as benzalkonium and ethoxylated nonylphenol substance in floor cleanser, whereas age, sex, duration of year work, washing and activities after work were not shown significantly relation with hand dermatitis.

In conclusion, this study showed that hand dermatitis was association with atopic history, occupational exposure (benzalkonium, ethoxylated nonylphenol). Employers and physicians at this workplace should pay attention to the prevention and surveillance of hand dermatitis.