Epidemiological and Clinical Profile of Work-related Dermatoses in the Artisanal Fishing Ports of Conakry, Guinea: A Cross-sectional Study

Objective: Was to describe the epidemiological and clinical profile of dermatoses in workers in artisanal fishing ports in Conakry.

Materials and Methods: The study was a cross-sectional and descriptive in nature, lasting 17 months. Workers with active or remitting dermatosis were included. A multidisciplinary medical observation (occupational physicians and dermatologists) was made of each worker.

Results: The study focused on 396 workers in artisanal fishing ports who had dermatosis in artisanal fishing ports in Conakry with an average age of 39 years and a male predominance of 72.5%. Fishermen represented the most affected professionals with 65.6%. Erythema and keratosis were the dominant dermatological lesions, 45.9% and 35.3% respectively. Traumatic dermatoses were encountered in 90.9% with an involvement of the hands of 70.7% and the feet of 26.5%. Among the etiologies identified on the lesions, the bite of the jaw dominated with 51.9%. Almost all (99%) of the workers of the artisanal fishing ports had no qualified professional training in the matter against 44.9% who used gloves and 16.2%, helmets.

Conclusion: Dermatoses in the artisanal port environment are urgent as a significant health problem among workers. The establishment of a research orientation plan focused on working conditions and medical surveillance will allow a better understanding of safety and health issues in this area.