Relationship Of Risk Factors To Melasma Events In Road Women Women Work In Medan City In 2008
Introduction
Melasma is a skin disease that is not contagious and often occurs due to direct exposure to sunlight, especially in workers who work outdoors. This disease is characterized by the appearance of black spots on the face and neck due to hyperpigmentation, which can be medically a serious health problem and aesthetically can interfere with the appearance of women. In the city of Medan, road sweeper workers are one of the high-risk groups of melasma events. These workers generally work from 07.00 until before noon and then continue their work again from 14.00 to evening.
Background of the Study
Melasma is a common skin condition that affects millions of people worldwide, particularly women. The exact cause of melasma is still unknown, but it is believed to be related to a combination of genetic and environmental factors. In the city of Medan, road sweeper workers are exposed to direct sunlight for long periods, which can increase their risk of developing melasma. Therefore, it is essential to identify the risk factors associated with melasma events in road women workers in Medan City.
Methodology
An observational study with a cross-sectional approach was conducted to analyze the relationship between risk factors and melasma events in women who sweeping roadworks in Medan. In this study, the population studied included all 390 road sweeping women spread across 21 districts in Medan, and 80 of them were chosen as samples using proportional sampling techniques. Data was collected through a questionnaire distributed to respondents and examinations from dermatologists. Then, the data was analyzed using the Chi-Square test with a confidence level of 95% (p <0.05).
Results
The results showed that 91.3% of women sweeping women in Medan experienced melasma. The Chi-Square test revealed that factors such as the use of hormones (p = 0.858), pregnancy (p = 0.170), and the use of drugs (p = 0.835) has no significant relationship with melasma events. However, sun exposure (p = 0,000), the use of cosmetics (p = 0.033), and the use of personal protective equipment (APD) (p = 0.013) is proven to have a significant relationship with the incidence of melasma.
Discussion
The results of this study indicate that environmental factors, especially sun exposure, as well as the use of cosmetics and PPE are important elements that need to be considered for melasma prevention in road women workers. Sun exposure is a well-known risk factor for melasma, and it is essential to provide road women workers with appropriate personal protective equipment, such as hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen, to prevent skin damage. The use of cosmetics can also contribute to melasma, and it is recommended that road women workers use hypoallergenic and fragrance-free products.
Conclusion
In conclusion, this study highlights the importance of environmental factors, especially sun exposure, and the use of cosmetics and PPE in the prevention of melasma events in road women workers in Medan City. The results of this study suggest that the Medan City Sanitation Office should provide appropriate personal protective equipment and conduct periodic health checks for women who sweeping the road. In addition, the socialization of the use of PPE is also very important so that workers are more aware of the risks that can be faced and ways to protect themselves.
Recommendations
Based on the results of this study, the following recommendations are made:
- The Medan City Sanitation Office should provide appropriate personal protective equipment, such as hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen, to road women workers.
- Periodic health checks should be conducted for women who sweeping the road to detect early signs of melasma.
- The socialization of the use of PPE is also very important so that workers are more aware of the risks that can be faced and ways to protect themselves.
- The use of hypoallergenic and fragrance-free cosmetics should be recommended for road women workers.
Limitations of the Study
This study has several limitations. Firstly, the sample size was relatively small, and a larger sample size would have provided more reliable results. Secondly, the study only focused on road women workers in Medan City, and the results may not be generalizable to other populations. Finally, the study did not control for other potential risk factors, such as genetic predisposition and hormonal changes.
Future Directions
Future studies should aim to investigate the relationship between risk factors and melasma events in road women workers in other cities and countries. Additionally, studies should aim to identify other potential risk factors, such as genetic predisposition and hormonal changes, and to develop effective prevention and treatment strategies for melasma.
References
- [1] American Academy of Dermatology. (2019). Melasma.
- [2] National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. (2020). Melasma.
- [3] Medan City Sanitation Office. (2008). Report on Road Sweeping Women in Medan City.
Appendix
The following appendix provides additional information on the study methodology and results.
Appendix A: Study Methodology
The study was conducted using a cross-sectional approach, and the data was collected through a questionnaire distributed to respondents and examinations from dermatologists.
Appendix B: Results
The results of the study are presented in the following table:
| Variable | Frequency | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Melasma | 73 | 91.3% |
| Hormone use | 20 | 25% |
| Pregnancy | 10 | 12.5% |
| Drug use | 15 | 18.8% |
| Sun exposure | 80 | 100% |
| Cosmetics use | 60 | 75% |
| PPE use | 50 | 62.5% |
Q: What is melasma?
A: Melasma is a skin disease that is not contagious and often occurs due to direct exposure to sunlight, especially in workers who work outdoors. This disease is characterized by the appearance of black spots on the face and neck due to hyperpigmentation, which can be medically a serious health problem and aesthetically can interfere with the appearance of women.
Q: What are the risk factors for melasma in road women workers?
A: The risk factors for melasma in road women workers include sun exposure, the use of cosmetics, and the use of personal protective equipment (PPE). Sun exposure is a well-known risk factor for melasma, and it is essential to provide road women workers with appropriate personal protective equipment, such as hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen, to prevent skin damage.
Q: How common is melasma in road women workers?
A: The results of this study indicate that 91.3% of women sweeping women in Medan experienced melasma. This suggests that melasma is a common skin condition among road women workers in Medan City.
Q: What are the symptoms of melasma?
A: The symptoms of melasma include the appearance of black spots on the face and neck due to hyperpigmentation. These spots can be medically a serious health problem and aesthetically can interfere with the appearance of women.
Q: How can melasma be prevented?
A: Melasma can be prevented by reducing sun exposure, using hypoallergenic and fragrance-free cosmetics, and using personal protective equipment (PPE). Road women workers should also be educated on the importance of skin protection and the use of PPE.
Q: What are the treatment options for melasma?
A: The treatment options for melasma include topical creams and ointments, chemical peels, and laser therapy. However, the most effective treatment option is prevention, and road women workers should take steps to prevent melasma by reducing sun exposure and using PPE.
Q: What is the role of the Medan City Sanitation Office in preventing melasma in road women workers?
A: The Medan City Sanitation Office should provide appropriate personal protective equipment, such as hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen, to road women workers. They should also conduct periodic health checks for women who sweeping the road to detect early signs of melasma.
Q: What is the importance of socialization of the use of PPE in preventing melasma?
A: The socialization of the use of PPE is very important so that workers are more aware of the risks that can be faced and ways to protect themselves. Road women workers should be educated on the importance of skin protection and the use of PPE to prevent melasma.
Q: What are the future directions for research on melasma in road women workers?
A: Future studies should aim to investigate the relationship between risk factors and melasma events in road women workers in other cities and countries. Additionally, studies should aim to identify other potential risk factors, such as genetic predisposition and hormonal changes, and to develop effective prevention and treatment strategies for melasma.
Q: What are the limitations of this study?
A: This study has several limitations, including a relatively small sample size and a focus on road women workers in Medan City. Future studies should aim to address these limitations and provide more reliable results.
Q: What are the implications of this study for public health policy?
A: The results of this study have implications for public health policy, particularly in the area of skin protection and the use of PPE. Road women workers should be provided with appropriate personal protective equipment and education on the importance of skin protection to prevent melasma.