Hand eczema‐related presenteeism and sickness absence: A cross‐sectional population‐based study

Abstract Background To date, hand eczema (HE)‐related presenteeism has never been assessed within the general population, and general population‐based studies on HE‐related sickness absence are limited. Objectives To assess the prevalence of HE‐related presenteeism and sickness absence, and factors associated with HE‐related presenteeism, within the Dutch general population. Methods Within the Lifelines Cohort Study, participants with HE in the last year (aged 18–65 in 2020), were identified by a questionnaire including questions regarding HE‐related presenteeism and sickness absence. Socio‐demographic factors were collected from 2006 to 2020. Results Out of the 3.703 included participants with HE, 2.7% ( n = 100) reported HE‐related presenteeism, with 19.8% ( n = 57) among those with severe‐to‐very‐severe HE. HE‐related sickness absence was reported by 0.5% ( n = 20) and 5.9% ( n = 17), respectively. Logistic regression analyses, adjusted for age and sex, showed negative associations between HE‐related presenteeism and higher educational attainment, higher income (>€2500) and higher occupational skill level, and positive associations for high‐risk occupations, chronic HE, moderate and severe‐to‐very‐severe HE (compared to almost clear), atopic dermatitis and occupational wet exposure. Conclusions A high prevalence of HE‐related presenteeism was found among participants with severe‐to‐very‐severe HE. Future studies should focus on longitudinal associations with the clinical course of HE, as HE‐related presenteeism might aggravate symptoms of HE.