The prevalence of contact dermatitis among surgical assistants, anaesthesia assistants and anaesthesiologists working at the Amsterdam University Medical Centre

Background Professions requiring frequent and/or long lasting wet‐work are at high risk for contact dermatitis (CD). CD may lead to loss of work productivity, sick leave and reduced quality of work. The 1‐year prevalence of healthcare workers varies between 12% and 65%. However, the prevalence of CD among surgical assistants, anaesthesia assistants and anaesthesiologists is unknown. Objectives (1) To establish the point‐prevalence and 1‐year prevalence among surgical assistants, anaesthesia assistants and anaesthesiologists and (2) to determine the impact of CD on work and daily activities. Method A single‐centre cross‐sectional prevalence study was conducted among surgical assistants, anaesthesia assistants and anaesthesiologists. Data were obtained from the Amsterdam University Medical Centre between the 1 June 2022 and 20 July 2022. For data collection, a questionnaire was used, derived from the Dutch Association for Occupational Medicine (NVAB). Participants with an atopic predisposition or symptoms of CD were invited to the contact dermatitis consultation hour (CDCH). Results A total of 269 employees were included. The total point prevalence of CD was 7.8%; 95% CI: 4.9–11.7, the total 1‐year prevalence was 28.3%; 95% CI: 23.0–34.0. The point‐prevalence among surgical assistants, anaesthesia assistants and anaesthesiologists was 14%, 4% and 2%, respectively. The 1‐year prevalence was 49%, 19% and 3%, respectively. Two employees reported changed work‐tasks because of symptoms, no sick days were reported. The majority of the visitors of the CDCH indicated an impact on work productivity and daily activities because of CD; however, the extent to which varied widely. Conclusion This study established that CD is a relevant occupational health disease among surgical assistants, anaesthesia assistants and anaesthesiologists. Surgical assistants, anaesthesia assistants and anaesthesiologists are more prone to develop contact dermatitis given the high skin exposure to wet‐work. A total of 269 workers filled in a questionnaire concerning (symptoms of) contact dermatitis. This questionnaire was part of a prevention programme implemented in the operation theatre. A point‐prevalence of 7.8% and a 1‐year prevalence of 28.3% was observed.