Occupational Contact Dermatitis in Hospital Cleaning Workers

Abstract

Background: Health care workers and hospital cleaning workers are at high risk regarding the development of occupational contact dermatitis (OCD).Objectives: To determine the prevalence and risk factors of OCD in hospital cleaning workers. Methods: A questionnaire was conducted in 245 cleaning workers in our cross-sectional study. The 236 cleaning workers formed the study group. In workers who were prediagnosed with dermatitis, physical examination was performed in the Dermatology Outpatient Clinic, and when necessary, patch test, skin biopsy, and investigation for total immunoglobulin E were conducted. Patients with definite contact dermatitis were diagnosed as having OCD by using the Mathias criteria.Results: The prevalence rate of OCD was 21.6% and was significantly higher in female workers (26.4%) when compared with male workers (11.0%). Female sex; low educational level; cleaning the external surfaces of the medical equipment, monitors, and accessories; and mixing the cleaning products and use them while performing cleaning activities were determined as the independent risk factors for OCD.Conclusions: Occupational contact dermatitis was present at a high rate in hospital cleaning workers. The risk factors should be taken into consideration for prevention of OCD and improvement of the health status of hospital cleaning workers.

Prevalence and risk factors of work-related contact dermatitis symptoms among healthcare cleaners during the COVID-19 pandemic in Northwest Ethiopia: a multicentre cross-sectional survey

“…Our finding was lower compared with previous studies in Poland (59%)44 and the UK (86%) 45. Our result was, however, higher than studies conducted in Turkey (21.6%),46 Germany (30%),47 Indonesia (10.6%)27 and New Zealand (14.8%) 48. This variation could be explained by differences in study period, measurement tool used (testing vs self-report), the study population’s knowledge differences about the variable of interest, the labour inspection system, the skin protection supply at work, exposure to materials (products) used for cleaning purposes and disinfectants and existing health systems in different countries regarding WRCD prevention and control among cleaners in healthcare facilities.…”

What do professional cleaners know about the skin care? A questionnaire‐based study

“…Appropriate skin care behaviour does not only prevent HE, but is also a core part of HE management in secondary and tertiary prevention 1 . Work‐related HE is frequently reported in hospital cleaners as they are massively exposed not only to wet work, but also to a range of potential irritants and allergens, that comply with the hygiene requirements of the particular task 14–17 . In Denmark and internationally, hospital cleaners are only provided with information and education in hand hygiene (hand‐washing) and not in skin protection 18–21 .…”

“…1 Work-related HE is frequently reported in hospital cleaners as they are massively exposed not only to wet work, but also to a range of potential irritants and allergens, that comply with the hygiene requirements of the particular task. [14][15][16][17] In Denmark and internationally, hospital cleaners are only provided with information and education in hand hygiene (hand-washing) and not in skin protection. [18][19][20][21] Hand hygiene is important to prevent infections in hospitals, and it differs from evidence based skin care.…”

Safety culture and perception of warning signs of chemical hazards among hospital cleaning workers: a cross-sectional study

“…They can be considered to be the cause of some respiratory (asthma, vaginitis), skin (dermatitis), fertility, and cardiovascular disorders [ 5 , 8 ]. According to some studies, exposure to these chemical substances has caused hospital cleaning workers to suffer from occupational diseases such as occupational asthma and occupational contact dermatitis [ 9 – 11 ].…”