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Effectiveness of secondary prevention in metalworkers with work‐related skin diseases and comparison with participants of a tertiary prevention program: A prospective cohort study
Author(s) -
Brans Richard,
Wilke Annika,
Rodríguez Elke,
Boraczynski Nicole,
Weidinger Stephan,
Reich Anna,
Geier Johannes,
Schön Michael P.,
Skudlik Christoph,
John Swen M.
Publication year - 2020
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.13682
Subject(s) - medicine , hand eczema , prospective cohort study , cohort , physical therapy , cohort study , allergy , contact dermatitis , immunology
Background In Germany, a multistep approach has been established to prevent work‐related skin diseases (WRSDs). Objectives To evaluate the effect of a secondary individual prevention program (SIP) in metalworkers with WRSD and to compare their characteristics with those of participants of a tertiary individual prevention program (TIP). Patients and Methods In a prospective cohort study, metalworkers with WRSD of the hands participating either in the SIP (n = 114) or in the TIP (n = 83) were recruited. At baseline and at the respective follow‐up 8–12 weeks after the SIP or at dismissal from the TIP (3–4 weeks later), questionnaires were completed and the severity of WRSD was assessed. Saliva samples were collected for assessment of filaggrin ( FLG ) mutations and an explorative genome‐wide association study (GWAS). Results Ninety‐three SIP patients (81.6%) attended the follow‐up. Disease severity was significantly reduced, and knowledge and protective behavior were significantly improved compared to baseline. Significant differences between SIP and TIP patients were found regarding duration and severity of symptoms, work absenteeism, tobacco smoking, and presence of atopic dermatitis, but not regarding FLG mutations and by GWAS. Conclusions The SIP was effective in metalworkers with WRSDs. Individual factors may influence the course of the disease and the need for the TIP.