Prevalence of skin diseases amongst Moroccan fishermen

The main objective was to evaluate the prevalence of skin diseases amongst fishermen, to specify the different clinical forms, associations and most frequent localisations, and to identify potential aetiological factors. The secondary objectives were to assess the knowledge, attitudes and practices of seafarers regarding occupational dermatoses to conduct information, awareness and education campaigns on risk factors and behaviours and to propose adapted prevention.

This cross-sectional survey involved 1102 artisanal fishermen who attended the annual legal medical consultation at the occupational health service. All participants were men and had a regular activity for at least 2 years. It included an individual questionnaire, a clinical examination and a technical visit to the workplace Results: The skin disorders were palmar hyperkeratosis in 67.1% of fishermen, plantar hyperkeratosis in 59.4%, scares in 52.2%, facial wrinkling in 32%, and marine stings in 11.2%. The skin infections were fungal (44.4%), bacterial (8.3%), viral (5.5%) and scabies (1%). Only 192 (17.4%) fishermen did not have any dermatologic disease, 43% had one type of dermatologic diseases, 27.2% two types, 9.5% three types and 2.5% four types. Concerning personal protective equipment, only 87.4% wore protective clothing, 12.8% high visibility clothing, 52.6% safety shoes, 30.1% protective gloves, and 63.5% protective caps or hats. Only, 12% knew that mycosis were infectious origin and were contagious. Eighty-two per cent ignored the mode of contamination, 78% the means of prevention and 91% the existence of a medical treatment. Ninety-five per cent thought that pityriasis versicolor was due to sunrays especially in summer and not to fungus.

The elaboration of the prevention approach needs a cooperative spirit; it will be more accepted and applied by all fishermen, if their representatives are involved in its preparation. The realisation of information and sensitization campaigns about the skin health must be based on the results of prevalence surveys.