Outcome of Nurses with Occupational Dermatitis

Background: Occupational dermatitis is considered as the second most common occupational disease. It accounts for 25% of all lost workdays. Several international studies reported a prevalence of occupational dermatitis in healthcare workers between 17% and 55%. This study aims to identify factors that affect the professional outcome of nurses suffering from occupational dermatitis. Methods: This was a multicenter cross-sectional study concerning nurses declared having occupational dermatitis in the central region of Tunisia. A synoptic sheet related to socio-professional and administrative data was completed. A self-administered Questionnaire going over medical and occupational characteristics was completed during a direct interview. Results: The study involved forty nurses working in four public hospitals in the center of Tunisia. Only 37 workers were included in the study. A professional reclassification was introduced among 19 workers (51% of study population). Work-station adaptation was requested in 14 cases (38%). Exposure to allergens in the workplace was eliminated in 20 cases. Two study participants were transferred to other departments (5.4%) and three people retired (8.1%). A statistically significant association was found between professional reclassification and a history of allergic manifestations (p = 0.003). Similarly, a significant association was found between professional reclassification and the allergic agent (p = 0.014). Workstation layout was significantly associated with a history of allergic manifestations (p = 0.039), the palm hand location (p = 0.04), professional eviction (p < 0.001) and the seniority of the declaration (p = 0.039). The change of workstation was significantly associated with a history of allergic manifestations (p = 0.024) and a sensitization to nickel sulfate (p = 0.011). A multiple binary logistic regression revealed that the demand for professional reclassification was significantly correlated with a history of allergic manifestations (p = 0.008), a sensitization to nickel sulfate (p = 0.009) and the fingers location (p = 0.038). The change of workstation was significantly correlated with a history of allergic manifestations (p = 0.026). Conclusion: This study identified the main factors influencing the occupational outcome of nurses suffering from occupational dermatitis. This outcome depended on a history of atopy (especially allergic rhinitis) and sensitization to allergens (thiuram mix).