OCCUPATIONAL ALOPECIA IN HEALTHCARE WORKERS DUE TO CHEMICAL EXPOSURE
Dr. Vishakha Chandwani*, Dr. M. Preethi and Dr.Subhashini
ABSTRACT
Background: It is pointed out that the importance of professional alopecia may sometimes be underestimated. Different types of professional alopecia depending on the causal agent are distinguished: physical, chemical, biological and pharmacological. Aims and objectives: 1) To know the prevalence of alopecia in healthcare workers. 2) To study the correlation between hair fall and chemical usage. 3) To study possible causes of alopecia in healthcare workers. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted amongst 150 Healthcare workers in our hospital between September 1st 2016 to March 30th 2017. Self-reported incidents, occupational exposure and post exposure management were sought by use of filling up of questionnaire form. Results: 114 respondents have history of hair fall, 36 respondents do not have history of hair fall. 78 respondents have history of hair fall for more than 1 year, 22 respondents have history of hair fall for 1 year, and 14 respondents have history of hair fall for 6 months. 100 were exposed to chemical agents frequently. 48 respondents reported have been exposed to chemicals for more than 4 hours, 28 respondents reported have been exposed to chemicals for less than 2 hours, 24 respondents reported have been exposed to chemicals for 2-4 hours. Conclusion: Participants knowledge about the chemical occupational risk factors they are exposed to is still insufficient. To minimize this situation, this theme should be included in undergraduate nursing course curricula and permanent in-service education, explaining appropriate safety measures to decrease occupational risks, particularly chemical risks, and their harmful effects on workers’ health.
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