Abstract
BACKGROUND: In the construction industry, a relatively high hand eczema prevalence can be expected due to exposure to irritating and allergenic agents.
METHODS: As part of a regular program of voluntary medical examinations, a questionnaire including items on health symptoms and working circumstances is administered to construction industry personnel. We studied 152,200 male workers (response rate 52%). Associations between possible risk factors and self-reported skin symptoms and skin hypersensitivity were assessed using log-binomial regression analysis.
RESULTS: Prevalence of skin symptoms on the hands was 25.4% among construction workers, 14.6% among office personnel. Nuisance due to dust exposure was the most important work-related determinant for skin symptoms [Prevalence Ratio (PR) 1.59, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.55-1.63]. Cross-sectional findings were supported by longitudinal analyses in a study population subset.
CONCLUSIONS: Skin symptoms are common among construction workers. Nuisance due to dust exposure was associated with higher prevalences of skin symptoms.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 660-668 |
| Number of pages | 9 |
| Journal | American Journal of Industrial Medicine |
| Volume | 57 |
| Issue number | 6 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - Jun 2014 |
Bibliographical note
© 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.Keywords
- construction workers
- eczema
- prevalence
- occupational exposure
- skin symptoms