Naslov
Skin barrier function in nursing apprentices during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic

Autori
Babić, Željka ; Šakić, Franka ; Franić, Zrinka ; Macan, Jelena

Izvornik
Contact dermatitis (0105-1873) 86 (2022), 6; 507-513

Vrsta, podvrsta i kategorija rada
Radovi u časopisima, članak, znanstveni

Ključne riječi
COVID-19 ; nursing ; nursing apprentices ; pH ; skin barrier ; TEWL

Sažetak
Background: Studies investigating simultaneous influence of personal and workrelated factors on skin health during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic are missing. Objectives: To investigate the associations of skin hazards relevant for nursing apprentices with parameters of skin barrier function. Methods: A total of 238 nursing apprentices attending the final year of education (median age 19 years) from vocational schools in Zagreb, Croatia, were enrolled in this study. We administered a questionnaire based on the Nordic Occupational Skin Questionnaire to the nursing apprentices, performed clinical examination of skin on the hands, and evaluated transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and stratum corneum (SC) pH on the dorsum of the hand. Results: Around half of nursing apprentices had compromised hand skin barrier function, as indicated by TEWL values >25 g/m2 /h (48%) and SC pH >5.5 (57%). Skin barrier was compromised in around 40% of nursing apprentices without clinically observed skin symptoms. Elevated SC pH was independent of ambient conditions associated with skin symptoms and female sex. Conclusions: Measurement of SC pH was shown to be less sensitive to field conditions than TEWL, and should be employed more in the field studies. Strengthening of skin health promotion in healthcare workers and apprentices is needed in pandemic conditions.

Izvorni jezik
Engleski

Znanstvena područja
Kliničke medicinske znanosti, Javno zdravstvo i zdravstvena zaštita

POVEZANOST RADA