Open AccessPrevalence of Self‐Reported Work‐Related Skin Conditions in Taiwanese Working Population
Author(s) -
Shao YuHsuan,
Yeh WenYu,
Chen ChiouJong,
Chen Chun Wan,
Guo YueLiang
Publication year - 2001
Publication title -
journal of occupational health
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.664
H-Index - 59
ISSN - 1348-9585
DOI - 10.1539/joh.43.238
Subject(s) - medicine , environmental health , working population , population , occupational medicine , demography , occupational exposure , sociology
Prevalence of Self‐Reported Work‐Related Skin Conditions in Taiwanese Working Population: Yu‐Hsuan Shao, et al Environmental and Occupational Health, National Cheng Kung University— Work‐related skin conditions are among the most prevalent occupational diseases, but population‐based studies of occupational skin diseases are few. This study was conducted by a nationwide representative sampling of employed workers in Taiwan to estimate the prevalence of work‐related skin conditions. A total of 18942 non‐self‐employed workers participated in this survey. Data were collected by self‐administered questionnaires. Those workers who reported having upper extremity skin conditions and considered their skin conditions caused by work exposure were defined as having work‐related skin conditions. More than a half of the skin conditions were considered work‐related. Overall, 4.4% of male employees and 4.2% of female employees reported having work‐related skin conditions in the past year. Work‐related skin conditions were more prevalent among male workers than female workers (adjusted OR=0.8, P<0.05) after adjusting for other factors. Low education level (adjusted OR=2.52, P<0.05), exposure to paint (adjusted OR=1.69, P<0.05), electroplating fluid or agriculture pesticide (adjusted OR=2.11, P<0.05) and working in a hot working environment (adjusted OR=2.76, P<0.05) were predictors of having work‐related skin conditions. Sanitary and pollution control services, mining and quarrying, personal services, building construction, and fishing were identified as high‐risk industries. This study concluded that work‐related skin conditions were a rather common occupational disorder in Taiwanese working population. Risk factors and high‐risk industries were considered for further research and intervention.