Evaluation of occupational eczema and work-related risk factors in sea fishers on the Mediterranean Coast of Turkey: A Cross-sectional study


Acar O., Sahin M., NAZLICAN E., Akbaba M., Ilter H., KURT B., ...Daha Fazla

WORK-A JOURNAL OF PREVENTION ASSESSMENT & REHABILITATION, cilt.81, sa.1, ss.2161-2166, 2025 (SSCI) identifier identifier identifier

  • Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
  • Cilt numarası: 81 Sayı: 1
  • Basım Tarihi: 2025
  • Doi Numarası: 10.1177/10519815241303336
  • Dergi Adı: WORK-A JOURNAL OF PREVENTION ASSESSMENT & REHABILITATION
  • Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI), Scopus, ABI/INFORM, Agricultural & Environmental Science Database, Business Source Elite, Business Source Premier, CINAHL, Educational research abstracts (ERA), Environment Index, INSPEC, MEDLINE, Psycinfo
  • Sayfa Sayıları: ss.2161-2166
  • Ankara Üniversitesi Adresli: Hayır

Özet

Background Eczema is one of the most prevalent occupational skin diseases, with sea fishers being particularly vulnerable due to their harsh working conditions.Objective This study aimed to assess the prevalence of occupational eczema among fishers and identify risk factors contributing to its development.Methods A total of 119 fishers participated in this cross-sectional study, which was conducted in a single center on the Mediterranean coast of Turkey. Data were collected using two instruments: a "General Characteristics of Fishers Form," developed by the researchers based on relevant literature, and the Turkish version of the Nordic Occupational Skin Questionnaire-Long (NOSQ-2002/Long). Univariable analysis of eczema status was performed using the chi-square test, while a multivariable binary logistic regression model assessed the factors associated with eczema.Results All participants were male, with a mean age of 40.13 (+/- 11.62) years. The median daily working time was 15 (12-16) hours, and their median experience in fishing was 17 (10-25) years. The prevalence of eczema in the last six months was 52.9% (n = 63). Significant risk factors for eczema included being under 40 years of age, being married, poor health status, and having a family member who was a fisher.Conclusion This study highlights the high prevalence of eczema among sea fishers and identifies work-related risk factors that contribute to its development. Future large-scale studies are recommended, along with preventive interventions to raise awareness and reduce the occurrence of occupational eczema.