Psychosocial work exposures as risk factors for skin problems in a general working population: cross-sectional and prospective associations

Objective The potential contribution of psychosocial work exposures to skin problems is largely overlooked in the occupational health literature. To address this knowledge gap, we examined cross-sectional and prospective associations between six psychosocial work exposures (i.e., quantitative demands, job control, social support, emotional demands, role confict, and interpersonal confict) and self-reported skin problems. Methods Data came from a probability sample of the general working population in Norway surveyed in 2016 (N=7833) and 2019 (N=8038). The prospective sample comprised 3430 participants. Data were analysed with ordered logistic regression, adjusting for age, sex, occupation, and exposure to cleaning products, water, and dry indoor air. Results Cross-sectional analyses indicated statistically signifcant associations with skin problems for emotional demands, role confict, and interpersonal confict in 2016 and 2019, and for social support in 2019. In prospective analyses, emotional demands (OR 1.12, 95% CI 1.01–1.23), role confict (OR 1.14, 95% CI 1.00–1.29), and interpersonal confict (OR 1.24, 95% CI 1.01–1.52) signifcantly predicted subsequent skin problems. Interpersonal confict (OR 1.26, 95% CI 1.01–1.57) was a signifcant predictor above and beyond baseline levels of skin problems. Quantitative demands and job control was generally non-signifcant, except for a signifcant interaction in the 2019 sample. Conclusion Exposure to certain...