Hand Hygiene Habits and Prevalence of Hand Eczema During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Autor: Leelawadee Techasatian, Wilairat Thaowandee, Jitjira Chaiyarit, Rattapon Uppala, Phanthila Sitthikarnkha, Watuhatai Paibool, Busara Charoenwat, Piyathida Wongmast, Napat Laoaroon, Chanyut Suphakunpinyo, Pakaphan Kiatchoosakun, Pope Kosalaraksa
Jazyk: angličtina
Rok vydání: 2021
Předmět:
Zdroj: Journal of Primary Care & Community Health, Vol 12 (2021)
Druh dokumentu: article
ISSN: 2150-1327
21501327
DOI: 10.1177/21501327211018013
Popis: Purpose: This study aimed to explore the prevalence of and possible risk factors for hand eczema with respect to the dissemination of information about new hand hygiene habits to protect against ongoing COVID-19 cross-transmission. The authors conducted a survey among health care workers (HCWs) and non-HCW populations in Khon Kaen, Thailand. Results: A total of 805 participants participated. The prevalence of hand eczema in the study population was 20.87%. There were several risk factors, including working as a HCW, having a history of previous hand eczema, having underlying atopic dermatitis, wearing gloves in everyday life, and washing hands frequently (more than 10 times/day). Hand hygiene with alcohol-based products was shown to be a risk factor for hand eczema, (OR (95% CI) 1.86 (1.03-3.35), P = .04). Conclusion: In terms of hand eczema prevention, we suggest that the use of alcohol-based products should be discontinued if other handwashing methods are available. The following factors increase the risk of hand eczema: being a HCW, having previous hand eczema, and having underlying atopic dermatitis. Proper strategies in terms of hand eczema prevention should be addressed, especially in this group, since we need to continue performing hand hygiene during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
Databáze: Directory of Open Access Journals