Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice of Iranian Healthcare Workers towards Occupational Hand Contact Dermatitis

Daryoush Pahlevan¹Faezeh Hasan Zadeh²Maryam Azizzadeh³Majid MirmohammadKhani¹Fatemeh Paknazar^1*

• ¹Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran, Semnan, Iran
• ²Student Research Committee, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran, Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran, Semnan, Iran
• ³Clinical Research Development Unit, Kowsar Educational, Research and Therapeutic Center, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran, Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran, Semnan, Iran

Abstract Background and Objectives: Healthcare workers (HCWs) face elevated risks of developing occupational hand contact dermatitis (OHCD) due to recurrent exposure to irritants. Evaluation of their knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) is essential for formulating effective prevention protocols. This investigation aimed to evaluate KAP levels pertaining to OHCD among Iranian HCWs. Methods: A cross-sectional analysis was executed in 2023 involving HCWs from three hospitals under the auspices of Semnan University of Medical Sciences. Data acquisition employed a specifically designed and validated questionnaire. The instrument exhibited strong reliability metrics (KR-20: 0.78 for knowledge domain). Analytical approaches encompassed descriptive statistics and the Friedman test. Results: Among the 200 participating HCWs, a majority (51%) reported previous instances of OHCD. The composite KAP score was found to be suboptimal (47.6%). Significant inter-domain disparities were recorded (P<0.001). Knowledge levels were moderate (62.9%), though critical deficiencies were identified; notably, merely 27% recognized palmar hyperhidrosis as a risk factor. Attitudinal measures were unsatisfactory (40.9%), marked by misconceptions such as perceived inevitability of OHCD (Mean score: 3.42/5). Practical implementation was likewise inadequate (49.3%). Of particular concern, respondents reported frequent application of alcohol-based agents on compromised skin, a practice known to exacerbate dermatological conditions. Conclusions: Notwithstanding moderate theoretical knowledge, Iranian HCWs demonstrated negative attitudinal predispositions and insufficient preventive practices concerning OHCD, revealing a substantial theory-practice discrepancy. The elevated prevalence of self-reported dermatitis underscores the imperative for multidimensional intervention strategies addressing not only cognitive aspects but also perceptual barriers and organizational practices to effectively mitigate OHCD incidence in this high-risk demographic.