Self-reported prevalence of hand eczema and associated factors among hair dressers of Debre Berhan City in North Eastern Ethiopia

by Belachew Tekleyohannes Wogayehu

Introduction

The prevalent condition known as hand eczema has been associated with substantial decreased quality of life, as well as considerable social and occupational expenses. Even though hairdressing is a significant source of wealth, it is linked to several kinds of medical problems mainly skin conditions. Limited studies conducted in Ethiopia to assess self-reported prevalence of hand eczema and associated factors.

Objective

This study aims to assess self-reported prevalence of hand eczema and associated factors among hairdressers of Debre Berhan city.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted among 435 hairdressers of Debre Berhan city in North Eastern Ethiopia from January 10 to February 20, 2025. A simple random sampling technique was used to select hair dressers. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire adapted from Nordic occupational skin questionnaire and observational checklist through face to face interview and observation. Multivariable binary logistic regression was employed to identify associated factors of hand eczema.

Results

Prevalence of hand eczema among hairdressers of Debre Berhan city was 56.9%. Poor knowledge (AOR = 2.89, 95% CI: 1.199–4.963), not utilizing personal protective equipment consistently over the years (AOR = 3.8, 95% CI: 2.183–7.012), low hand washing frequency per day (AOR = 3.4, 95% CI: 1.399–6.433) and not taking OHS training (AOR = 4.8, 95% CI: 2.617–8.709) were identified factors of hand eczema.

Conclusions

Prevalence of hand eczema among hair dressers in Debre Berhan city was high. Poor knowledge, not utilizing personal protective equipment consistently over the years, low hand washing frequency per day and not taking OHS training were identified factors. Hair dressers should utilize proper type of personal protective equipment before starting any activities in the work place. Inclusion of hand eczema education in Technical and Vocational Educational and Training (TVET) or policy-level interventions would enhance occupational health awareness, early prevention strategies and long-term skin protection practices among hairdressers.

Comparison of nutritional status and dietary intake among khat (Catha edulis) chewer and non-chewer women of reproductive age in Halaba Zone, South Ethiopia: a comparative cross-sectional study

Objective

This study aimed to compare the nutritional status and dietary intake between khat chewer and non-chewer women of reproductive age in Halaba Zone, South Ethiopia.

Design

A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted.

Setting

The study was conducted in Halaba Zone, South Ethiopia.

Participants

A total of 792 (396 khat chewers and 396 non-chewers) women of reproductive age were selected by a simple random sampling technique from 20 June 2023 to 26 August 2023.

Outcome measures

Dietary intake was assessed by a single 24-hour recall method. The nutrient adequacy ratio and mean adequacy ratio were applied to estimate the adequacy of micronutrients. Standing height was measured using a wall-mounted stadiometer to the nearest 0.1 cm, and weight of the women was measured to the nearest 0.1 kg on a battery-powered digital scale (Seca Gmbh & Co. KG, Germany). A linear regression model was fitted to determine the relationship between nutritional status and khat chewing. Binary logistic regression analyses were used to estimate the odds of nutrient intake inadequacy among the two study groups. A p value of

Results

Women who chewed khat had a higher prevalence of underweight (36.6%) than those who did not (9.4%). The mean (SD) body mass index for khat chewer women was 48.66±5.39 kg, while that of non-chewer women was 55.29±6.75 kg. Women who chewed khat were significantly more likely to be underweight than those who had never chewed khat (β = –1.91, 95% CI –2.30 to –1.53; p12 (AOR=2.79 (95% CI 1.79 to 4.36), p

Conclusions

Women who chewed khat were significantly more likely to be underweight compared with those who had never chewed khat. Khat chewers were more likely than non-chewers to have inadequate carbohydrate, protein, thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B₁₂, zinc and calcium intake. Public health interventions aimed at improving the nutritional status of women of reproductive age should develop strategies to address the spread of khat-chewing habits.