Occupational dermatoses: knowledge, attitudes and perceptions among motor vehicle repair workers

Objectives. Motor vehicle repair workers are a vulnerable group for developing occupational dermatoses. They are exposed to a wide range of chemical, physical and mechanical hazards. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of occupational dermatoses among motor vehicle repair workers and their risk factors, and to evaluate the effect of a health educational program. Methods. The study was conducted among 106 motor vehicle repair workers. All participants were personally interviewed at their workshops and were subjected to the Nordic occupational skin questionnaire, dermal exposure knowledge, attitudes and perceptions questionnaire, dermatological examination and health educational program. Then, evaluation of the effects of health the program was done after 2 months. Results. Exclusively occupational dermatoses (18.9%) were followed by work-related dermatoses (17.9%). Chronic contact dermatitis was the most frequent exclusively occupational dermatoses (12.26%), followed by tar/oil acneform rash (3.77%) and mechanical injury (3.77%). Xerosis (6.6%) and hyperpigmentation (4.71%) were the most frequent work-related dermatoses. Lack of use of personal protective equipment, older age, longer duration of work, exposure to chemical hazards and car mechanics were the independent risk factors. Conclusions. A significant improvement occurred in the participants' knowledge about dermal exposure, behavioral action for prevention and overall belief (pre/post intervention) (p < 0.01).