A survey-based assessment of the prevalence and severity of chronic hand dermatitis in a managed care organization

Cutis. 2006 Jun;77(6):385-92.

Abstract

Although studies conducted outside of the United States have found a 7% to 12% prevalence of chronic hand dermatitis, no US general population-based estimates have been reported. The objective of this study was to quantify the prevalence of chronic hand dermatitis in a US managed care organization population. A 13-item self-assessment questionnaire was developed and validated, with 85% sensitivity and 95% specificity. The questionnaire was mailed to 2 random member samples from a Massachusetts managed care organization: 502 general members and 878 members with dermatitis. The questionnaire had a 36.74% overall response rate, with a chronic hand dermatitis point prevalence of 17.49% and 33.33% in the general and dermatitis populations, respectively. Among the general population, the questionnaire results identified 16.94% members who had chronic hand dermatitis but had not sought dermatitis-related medical services. After direct standardization to the 2000 US Census population with respect to age, gender, and race distributions, the projected point prevalence was estimated at 16.36% in the US general population. In conclusion, we found a higher prevalence of chronic hand dermatitis than previously reported. Approximately 1 in 6 members did not seek medical attention, suggesting that chronic hand dermatitis may be underdetected and untreated and may require more awareness and effective management.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Age Distribution
  • Aged
  • Data Collection
  • Female
  • Hand Dermatoses / epidemiology*
  • Hand Dermatoses / physiopathology*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Managed Care Programs / statistics & numerical data*
  • Massachusetts / epidemiology
  • Middle Aged
  • Prevalence
  • Severity of Illness Index*
  • Sex Distribution
  • Socioeconomic Factors
  • Surveys and Questionnaires