Impact of infection prevention measures on the occurrence of cutaneous lesions and the quality of life of frontline and non-frontline healthcare workers: A multicentre cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background

Infection prevention measures are crucial to prevent contamination among frontline healthcare workers (FL-HCWs) and non-frontline healthcare workers (NFL-HCWs). However, these measures can lead to skin lesions, potentially affecting their quality of life.

Objectives

Determine the prevalence of skin lesions caused by infection prevention measures and assess the impact of skin lesions on the quality of life.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted, utilizing a self-administered questionnaire covering demographic and occupational information, self-reported skin lesions, and the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) for healthcare workers (HCWs) from three medical centres.

Results

Out of the 190 FL-HCWs and 199 NFL-HCWs surveyed, 37.2% reported skin lesions. Female and FL-HCWs exhibited a higher occurrence of skin lesions. Prolonged use of masks was significantly associated with facial skin lesions. While the use of personal protective equipment and hand hygiene had little to no effect on the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) for 80.7% of healthcare workers (HCWs) with skin lesions, those with facial skin lesions, papules, or a history of any skin lesions, as well as those who more frequently washed their hands, showed a more altered DLQI.

Conclusions

FL-HCWs had more skin symptoms than NFL-HCWs, but these issues were generally not severe and had minimal impact on overall quality of life.