Prävalenz von Hautirritationen bei Pflegekräften durch das Verwenden von persönlicher Schutzausrüstung während der COVID-19-Pandemie

Prevention of adverse skin reactions among nursing staff through the use of personal protective equipment during the COVID-19 pandemic Objectives: The aim of the study was to investigate the prevalence and influencing factors for adverse skin reactions (ASR) due to occupational PPE use among nursing staff in Germany during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: The study uses a mixed methods design. A focus group was created with experts from the field of healthcare, and an online survey was then carried out among nursing staff. Influencing factors were identified using multivariate logistic regression via odds ratios with 95 % confidence intervals. Results: A total of 2274 nursing staff took part in the survey, with 1967 included in the analysis. The prevalence of ASR was 61 %, with the great majority of subjects reporting having developed at least one adverse skin reaction on the face (94 %). Statistically significant predictors of the more frequent developing of new adverse skin reactions were the wearing of FFP masks for four or more hours, being female and younger, and a known contact allergies. A pre-existing skin disease had a protective effect. Conclusions: The prevalence of PPE-related ASR underlines the necessity for targeted preventive measures for nursing staff during pandemic situation. Keywords: healthcare worker – COVID-19 – personal protective equipment (PPE) – adverse skin reactions – pandemic