A Study to Assess the Prevalence of Skin Injuries Related to the Use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) in COVID-19 Areas among the Nursing Staffs in Selected Hospital, Gurugram, Haryana

Objective: To investigate the prevalence of skin injuries related to use of PPE in COVID-19 areas among the Nursing staff. Approach: A cross-sectional survey was conducted for understanding skin injuries among nursing staff working in COVID-19 area in Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurugram. Participants voluntarily answered and submitted the questionnaire. The questionnaire items included demographic data, skin injury types, and anatomical sites. Results: Out of 72 nursing staffs working in COVID-19 areas, 55 respondent’s data were collected and validated. The overall prevalence of skin injuries was 64.5 % among the nursing staffs. The device-related pressure injuries (DRPI) was 72.2 % and moisture-associated skin damage (MASD) was 49.0 %.12.7 % of the nursing staffs were affected with at least one episode of contact-dermatitis. Conclusion: The skin injuries among nursing staff are serious, with insufficient prevention and treatment. A step-by step guide to prevent PPE related skin injury must be formulated in the organization.