Prevalence and incidence of hand eczema in healthcare workers: A systematic review and meta‐analysis

Abstract

Healthcare workers (HCWs) are considered a high‐risk group for developing hand eczema (HE), mainly owing to wet work and contact with allergens at work. To meta‐analyse the prevalence and incidence of HE in HCWs, as well as mapping the prevalence of atopic dermatitis (AD) and HE severity in HCWs. A systematic review and meta‐analysis was performed following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐analyses 2020 guidelines. Published literature from 2000 to 2022 was eligible based on predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. A total of 18 studies were included. Pooled life‐time, 1‐year and point prevalence of self‐reported HE in HCWs was 33.4% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 28.3–38.6), 27.4% (95% CI: 19.3–36.5) and 13.5% (95% CI: 9.3–18.4), respectively. AD prevalence was 15.4% (95% CI: 11.3–19.9). Overall, the majority of HCWs reported mild HE. One included study assessed HE incidence reporting 34 cases/1000 person years. Most studies scored low‐moderate using the New Ottawa Scale and the pooled point prevalence data showed broad CIs. In conclusion, the high prevalence of HE in HCWs underlines the increased risk and need for preventive measures for this professional group. There is, however, a need of further standardized high‐quality studies.