Prevalence of Skin Diseases and Their Associated Factors among Navy in Iran: A Cross-sectional Study

Skin diseases are common complaints in military personnel, and working in conditions of high heat and moisture can increase their prevalence. The aim of current study is to investigate the prevalence of skin disease among navy personnel.

This cross-sectional study was conducted in 2018 in south of Iran. Sampling was performed using the census method. Navy personnel (all men) who were exposed to moisture and heat in all or part of their daily activities were included. Data regarding age, work experience in the navy, working hours in conditions of moisture and heat, hygiene, use of sunscreen and moisturizer, smoking, and consumption of fruit and vegetable were recorded. The navy personnel were examined by a dermatologist. Clinical data related to any skin disease (dermatitis, acne, warts, fungal infection etc,) were recorded in a checklist. Data were analyzed by SPSS 18 software.

The prevalence of skin diseases among navy personnel was 38.1% (85 out of 223). The most common skin diseases were dermatitis (9.5%), skin dryness (5.5%), moles (5%), fungal diseases (5%), and acne (4.6%). Increased work hours in hot and wet conditions (p=0.001), increased sun exposure hours (p=0.04), a low number of baths per week (poor hygiene) (0.02), smoking (p=0.04) and lack of consumption of fruits and vegetables (p=0.04) all have a significant relationship on the prevalence of skin diseases in navy personnel. There was no relationship between prevalence and age, work experience, use of sunscreen cream, and use of moisturizer.

The high prevalence of skin diseases in navy personnel was associated with an increase in working hours in the sun, hot and wet conditions, poor hygiene, smoking, and low consumption of fruit and vegetables. Therefore, it is recommended that all navy personnel should be visited periodically by a dermatologist. The need for adequate skincare, personal hygiene and proper diet are emphasized.