Psychological Distress in Hospital Staff with Self-Reported Hand Dermatitis

Abstract

Background: Hospital staff is regarded as a risk group for hand dermatitis – a condition which may influence social and psychic well-being. Objective: The present study was undertaken to evaluate prevalence of psychological distress in hospital staff with self-reported hand dermatitis and to analyze factors which may influence the psychological status of these subjects. Material and Methods: 181 hospital employees with self-reported hand dermatitis were included into the study. They answered a specially designed questionnaire on demographic data, working conditions, skin symptoms and life-impact of dermatosis. Results: 48.1% of respondents declared psychological distress caused by their hand dermatitis. Patients with psychological distress worked statistically longer (p = 0.01) and their skin symptoms were more severe (p = 0.0016). Moreover, they looked for medical advice more frequently (p = 0.00043) and also tried to treat their hand lesions more frequently (p = 0.00037). Conclusions: Psychological distress is common among hospital staff suffering from hand dermatitis. Its frequency mainly depends on the severity of skin lesions and the number of years in the job.

Hand Dermatitis Risk Factors Among Clinical Nurses in Japan

“…It is difficult to treat, is rarely cured, and can progress to a chronic disease that frequently relapses (Meding & Swanbeck, 1990a). Quality of life may also be reduced because of psychological distress, decreased productivity, and reduced opportunities for reemployment (Meding & Swanbeck, 1990a;Szepietowski, Salomon, Nowicka, Soter, & Horanin, 2002). HD is very common in the nursing profession, with prevalence rates ranging from 18% in China (Smith, Wei, Zhao, & Wang, 2005) to 29% in the Netherlands (Smit & Coenraads, 1993).…”