Prevalence, risk factors and types of dermatoses among food handlers in Batticaloa MOH area

Abstract

Introduction: Batticaloa is the capital city of Batticaloa District situated in Eastern Province of Sri Lanka, which harbors various ethnic groups with different religious backgrounds. The ethnic and religious diversity of population is responsible for variety of food items and dishes unique to the area where demand for food has created a rapidly growing food industry. Food safety standards require all persons involved in handling food to be in perfect hygienic condition in order to prevent contamination with microorganisms and to offer a perfect product to the consumer.
 Methods: A descriptive cross sectional study was carried out among food handlers who were working in the most populated PHI regions of Batticaloa MOH area. All workers were interviewed and examined at their workplace and relevant further examination and investigations were carried out at the Skin Clinic, Teaching Hospital, Batticaloa.
 Results: 69 (42.3%) out of the total 163 workers had occupational dermatoses (OD), and out of them physical injuries (thermal, cuts/ abrasions) was the commonest [22 (31.88%)]. Second commonest OD was paronychia and occupational contact dermatitis (OCD), which was found only among 12 (17.3%) workers. Irritant contact dermatitis (ICD) was more prevalent (11.5%) than allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) (5.7%) among the workers with OCD. Both personal history of atopy and increased frequency of hand washing were positively correlated with the risk of developing OCD. Acne vulgaris was the commonest none occupational dermatoses (NOD).
 Conclusions: Both personal history of atopy and increased frequency of hand washing were positively correlated with the risk of developing OCD. Physical injuries remained the commonest OD which may be contributed by lack of experience and substance abuse.