A Socioecological Approach to Work Performance: A Pilot Study Among Workers With Chronic Skin Diseases

Area of Science:

• Occupational Health
• Dermatology
• Public Health

Background:

• Chronic skin diseases (CSD) can significantly impact an individual's quality of life and professional capacity.
• Productivity losses are a recognized consequence of CSD, necessitating a deeper understanding of workplace challenges.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate symptom severity, social challenges, and workplace accommodation needs in workers with CSD.
• To examine the association between sick leave, workplace adjustments, and perceived impaired work performance (IWP).

Main Methods:

• A mixed-methods approach combining online questionnaires (n=102) and interviews (approx. 20%) was employed.
• Data were collected between April and June 2023.
• Statistical analyses included logistic regression, structural equation modeling, and thematic analysis.

Main Results:

• A significant majority (72.3%) of participants reported perceived IWP.
• The need for workplace accommodation and the duration of sick leave were directly correlated with IWP.
• Findings were contextualized within a socioecological framework, highlighting multi-level influencing factors.

Conclusions:

• Addressing CSD-related IWP requires a collaborative effort from occupational physicians and stakeholders.
• Interventions should encompass personal, interpersonal, organizational, and societal factors to effectively alleviate IWP.