BACKGROUND:

Specific instruction courses as a tool for secondary prevention of occupational skin disease (secondary individual prevention, SIP courses) affecting individuals have been introduced in Germany. Little is yet known about the outcome of occupational disease and related behavioural patterns following these courses.

OBJECTIVES:

To investigate the outcome of occupational skin disease in health care workers (HCW) 1 year after attendance of a SIP course.

PATIENTS/METHODS:

Two hundred and fifty-three HCW participated in SIP courses and were contacted by telephone 1 year after attendance. Patients were interviewed about skin lesions, medical treatment, sick leave, change of occupation, skin protection, skin care and skin cleansing, and the impact of skin disease.

RESULTS:

The follow-up rate was 81%. The proportion of participants reporting skin lesions decreased significantly (68% at follow-up compared with 77% at baseline; P = 0.02). Seventy-two per cent reported that their skin lesions had improved. Nine per cent reported having left their occupation due to their skin disease. Skin care and skin protection had improved, while the frequency of reported hand washing was reduced. Twenty-seven per cent said their quality of life was impaired due to the skin disease, compared with 54% at baseline (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS:

Outcome parameters, including behavioural parameters, indicate a positive impact of courses for SIP on skin health of HCW 1 year after attendance.