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The psychosocial burden of hand eczema: Data from a European dermatological multicentre study
Author(s) -
Marron Servando E.,
TomasAragones Lucia,
NavarroLopez Jorge,
Gieler Uwe,
Kupfer Jörg,
Dalgard Florence J.,
Lien Lars,
Finlay Andrew Y.,
Poot Françoise,
Linder Dennis,
Szepietowski Jacek C.,
Misery Laurent,
Jemec Gregor B. E.,
Romanov Dmitry,
Sampogna Francesca,
Szabo Csanad,
Altunay Ilknur K.,
Spillekomvan Koulil Saskia,
Balieva Flora,
Ali Faraz M.,
Halvorsen Jon A.,
Marijuan Pedro C.
Publication year - 2018
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.12973
Subject(s) - psychosocial , medicine , hand eczema , anxiety , depression (economics) , suicidal ideation , dermatology life quality index , psychological intervention , hospital anxiety and depression scale , quality of life (healthcare) , socioeconomic status , odds ratio , psychiatry , psoriasis , dermatology , allergy , poison control , population , suicide prevention , emergency medicine , contact dermatitis , nursing , environmental health , economics , immunology , macroeconomics
Background The essential physical role, visibility and social importance of the hands place a major psychological burden on patients with hand eczema. Objectives The aim of this study was to identify the psychological, social and clinical characteristics of patients with hand eczema, in particular the prevalences of depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation, and comorbidities. Materials and methods Data on patients with hand eczema were analysed from a large European multicentre study conducted with dermatology outpatients from 13 countries. Groups of patients and controls were compared to analyse the psychological burden of hand eczema. Results Female patients with hand eczema had higher Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) scores for anxiety ( n = 86, median = 7.0) than controls ( n = 900, median = 5.0, P = .02), and for depression (median = 4.0) than controls (3.0, P < .001). Patients with high suicidal ideation, with low socioeconomic status and who were widowed or divorced were more likely to fulfil the HADS criteria for anxiety [odds ratio (OR) > 1, P = .038, P < .001, and P < .001, respectively]. The median Dermatology Life Quality Index score was 7.0 ( n = 68). Discussion This study identifies a specific psychological burden experienced by hand eczema patients, highlighting the need for focused psychosocial interventions. Physicians in particular should be aware of the need to identify anxiety and depression in female patients.