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Individual prevention courses for occupational skin diseases: changes in and relationships between proximal and distal outcomes
Author(s) -
Schuler Michael,
Spanier Katja,
Lukasczik Matthias,
Schwarze Monika,
Musekamp Gunda,
Osborne Richard H.,
Faller Hermann,
Pohrt Ute
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
contact dermatitis
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.524
H-Index - 96
eISSN - 1600-0536
pISSN - 0105-1873
DOI - 10.1111/cod.12367
Subject(s) - medicine , distress , disease , affect (linguistics) , emotional distress , prospective cohort study , physical therapy , clinical psychology , anxiety , psychiatry , psychology , communication
Summary Background To treat people with occupational contact dermatitis, the G erman A ccident P revention and I nsurance A ssociation in the H ealth and W elfare S ervices offers 2‐day individual prevention ( IP ) seminars. Objectives We investigated whether there are short‐term and medium‐term changes in proximal (e.g. behaviour) and distal (e.g. symptoms) outcomes after an IP seminar, whether changes in proximal outcomes are associated with changes in distal outcomes, and whether subgroups can be identified that benefit in particular. Patients/materials/methods In a prospective study, 502 participants of 85 IP courses completed the health education impact questionnaire ( heiQ™ ) and skin symptom questionnaire (Skindex‐29) at the start of the course, immediately thereafter, and after 6 months. Change was assessed according to standardized effect size. Regression techniques were used to analyse associations between proximal and distal outcomes. Results After 6 months, participants showed improved self‐management skills and preventive behaviour, and less fear of job loss, disease‐related symptoms, and emotional distress. Significant associations between proximal and distal outcomes were found. Participants who felt more limited by their skin disease showed greater effects. Conclusions The results are consistent with the assumption that IP courses provide a range of benefits for people with occupational contact dermatitis. Changes in distal outcomes may be influenced by changes in proximal outcomes.