Quality of life and depression in a population of occupational hand eczema patients

Occupational hand eczema (OHE) is the most frequently recognized occupational disease in Denmark, and despite governmental attempts to reduce exposure to harmful occupational allergens, the number of new cases has remained almost unchanged since the mid-1990s. Some studies have indicated that OHE has considerable impact on quality of life (QoL) and may lead to depression. The aims of the study were to determine risk factors for low QoL, the frequency and severity of depression among OHE patients and changes in QoL and depression after 12 months of follow up. The study population, 758 patients, comprised all new recognized cases from the Danish National Board of Industrial Injuries Registry between October 2001 and November 2002. All patients received a questionnaire to determine impairment of QoL and depressive symptoms. A similar follow-up questionnaire was posted after 1 year. The response rate was 82% at baseline and 91% at follow up. The mean Dermatology Life Quality Index total score was 5.5 for all patients and 7.8 for severe OHE cases. Severe OHE cases and lower socioeconomic status were independently associated with low QoL. The prevalence of moderate-to-severe depression was 9%. Only minor changes in QoL and depressive symptoms were found after 12 months of follow up.