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'Patient's delay'--analysis of the preclinical phase of occupational dermatoses
Background:
In order to cure diseases effectively it is important that they are detected in their early stages so that medical precautions can be taken. With job-related disorders it is conceivable that anxiety concerning the workplace, as well as other factors of a demanding nature, may lead to a further delay of diagnosis and treatment.
Objective:
The study was carried out for the purpose of gathering information about the patients' reactions in the preclinical phase of job-related eczema.
Methods:
79 patients suffering from a job-related skin disease were questioned. The patients were divided up into groups according to their respective delay and the results evaluated in line with the method of logistic regression.
Results:
The average delay was 8.6 months. Fear of losing their job was mentioned by most participants as the reason for the postponement of seeking medical care. People with a long delay were mainly men, senior and Swiss citizens, those with a higher education and those with a longer professional training.
Conclusion:
Patient delay in occupational dermatology highly depends on the support of employers and on the counseling of workers on job-related skin disease and their insurance protection.