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Hand Eczema Among Dental Workers – a cross-sectional study. Object: To estimate the prevalence of hand eczema and associated risk factors in dental workers. Tasks: 1. To estimate the prevalence of hand eczema among dental workers. 2. To estimate associated risk factors of hand eczema among dental workers. 3. To estimate risk factors of hand ezcema among dental workers with a history of atopic disease. 4. To analyze patch test results and estimate risk factors amond dental workers. Methods: A self – administered questionnaire (Nordic Occupational Skin Questionnaire 2002) was sent to dental clinics of Kaunas city. In addintion, patch testing with was offered. Participants of study: Dental workers (dentists, technicians, hygienists and assistants). Results: Of all subjects, 87 were females and 23 were males. In total, 48 of 110 workers had suffered from hand eczema at leat once in their lifetime. 19,6 % of 110 workers are handling uncured resin with bare hands. In total, 65,5 % of 110 workers reported that they washed their hands at work >11 times per day. 66,3 % of 110 workers reported that they had dry skin. Atopic dermatitis was more strongly associated with a lifetime history of hand eczema than only asthma and/or allergic rhinoconjuctivitis. Among 18 subjects with a history of hand eczema, 2 reacted positively to several (meth)acrylates. Conclusion: 1. More than 43 % of dental workers responded that they have a lifetime history of hand eczema, while 28,2 % responded that they have a chronic hand eczema. 2. The most fequently risk factors of hand eczema were wet work, dry skin and a history of atopic diseases. 3. Risk to have a hand eczema 4 times (sOR4,03; 95 % PI 1,32 - 13,15) increases with a history of atopic rhinoconjuctivitis and/or asthma, and 13 times (sOR13,56; 95% PI 1,45-127,04) – with a history of atopic dermatitis. 4. Two subjects with a history of hand eczema, reacted positively to several (meth)acrylates (methyl methacrylate, ethylene glycol dimethacrylate , 2- hydroxyethyl methacrylate, 1,4- butanediol dimethacrylate) and those results were considered to be occupationally relevant. |