The Epidemiological Study of Hand Dermatitis among Registered Nurses at King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital

Abstract

Background: In occupational medicine practice, hand dermatitis is a common problem among health care
personnel. However, the epidemiological study of this problem is comparatively limited in Thailand.
Objective: To examine the prevalence, associated factors and impact of hand dermatitis among registered
nurses at King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital.
Study design: Cross-sectional descriptive study.
Methods: Study subjects were 1,145 registered nurses who worked in nursing care in King Chulalongkorn
Memorial Hospital, with the participate rate of 85.4 percent. The data were collected during October 2004 by using the
self-administered questionnaires.
Results: The prevalence rate of hand dermatitis among registered nurses in previous 12 months (October 2003
to September 2004) was 14.3 percent. The most prevalence of hand dermatitis were found among nurses with less than 30
years age group, less than 10 years working experience and working at intensive care unit. Regarding univariate analysis:
personal factor, occupational exposure, domestic work and work environment factor were associated with hand
dermatitis. After adjust confounding factor, history of atopy (OR = 2.69, 95% CI = 1.81-4.01), Chlohexidine (OR = 1.76,
95% CI = 1.14-2.72) and laundry bleach agent (OR = 1.64, 95% CI = 1.03-2.62) were associated with hand dermatitis
statistically significant (p<0.05).
Conclusion: Hand dermatitis is a common disease among registered nurses. Atopy, occupational and domestic
work exposure to chemical agent are contributing factors of hand dermatitis. All of cases should be further investigated.