Prevalence of Hand Eczema among Healthcare Workers in A Tertiary Care Hospital in the Post-COVID Era of Hand Hygiene: A Cross-Sectional Study
Abstract:
Hand eczema (HE)
is an inflammatory condition characterized by dryness and irritation of hands,
which commonly affects healthcare workers due to contact with allergens because
of frequent handwashing and the use of gloves. Long-standing eczema can
significantly affect the quality of life; hence better understanding is needed
for prevention, especially in healthcare workers. To determine the prevalence
of hand eczema in healthcare workers in the post-COVID-19 era and assess the
relationship with other variables, like socio-economic status. The prospective
cross-sectional observational study was conducted. One hundred and eight
healthcare workers with hand eczema were asked to fill out a questionnaire
regarding hand eczema and were examined for clinical signs of hand eczema. The
data was interpreted, and an association was made with the HECSI score,
Modified Kuppuswamy score and Y-BOCS score for OCD (obsessive compulsive
disorder). There were statistically significant differences in the methods of
hand sanitizing used across the socio-economic categories defined by the
Modified Kuppuswamy Scale. Additionally, there was a significant difference
in HECSI scores across different Y-BOCS categories. This study
demonstrates significant differences in hand sanitizing practices and HECSI
scores among hospital workers post-COVID-19, influenced by socioeconomic
factors and OCD.
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