Health effects related to hand hygiene and the use of protective equipment in the health care system during the covid-19 pandemic (COV-HygPro)

The Covid-19 pandemic has led to everyone having to be more careful with hand washing and the use of hand disinfection, both privately and at work. For many, the pandemic has changed the way we work and what routines we have for hygiene and protective equipment. We know from previous studies that hand eczema is common in healthcare professionals. The question is whether hand eczema has become more common during the ongoing covid-19 pandemic and what factors may be important in that case. We use i.a. more bandages / respirators - how does it affect the skin of the face? Many people will be able to experience stress during the covid-19 pandemic in various contexts, but can the stress situation affect hand hygiene procedures and possibly trigger actions that are constantly repeated? In the study, we invite employees in Helse Bergen / emergency rooms in Bergen and the surrounding area to participate in a survey where we, among other things. ask about routines for hand hygiene and the use of protective equipment at work. Furthermore, we want to map the incidence of hand eczema and skin injuries and the extent to which the employees have symptoms that can be seen in obsessive-compulsive disorders. By linking the study to the ongoing population study Rhinessa Bergen follow-up study, we will be able to compare risk factors and the incidence of eczema / skin injuries in the health care system with the general population. The study will also be able to give us knowledge about measures that can have a preventive effect. Participants who have eczema / skin injuries that are of such a degree that one will need follow-up will be offered a report at the Department of Occupational Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital. The purpose of such an assessment is to assess the degree of damage to the skin barrier, whether eczema / skin damage is due to contact with irritants or allergens and to provide follow-up with advice on prevention and treatment. In connection with the report, one will i.a. assess the skin's barrier function by measuring transepidermal water loss and compare with results from the population study Rhinessa Bergen follow-up study.