1 in 3 eczema patients in Hong Kong face workplace hostility: poll
Respondents say they experienced discriminatory treatment at work, including exclusion or mockery by colleagues due to their condition
One in three eczema patients in Hong Kong experienced workplace hostility, including exclusion or mockery by colleagues due to their condition, a survey by the Medical and Health Advancement Federation has found.
The survey released on Sunday aimed to raise awareness of the physical and mental challenges faced by eczema patients, who accounted for 20 per cent of the population.
The federation conducted the survey between June and July this year, interviewing 240 people who were employed and had sought treatment for the condition in the past five years. Eczema is a condition that causes dry and itchy patches of skin.
Some reported discriminatory treatment at work, with 32.5 per cent saying they were excluded or mocked by colleagues or supervisors due to their condition.
One-fifth of them said they were rejected for a job due to the condition. An equal number felt that the condition hindered their promotion opportunities.
More than 70 per cent of respondents said they experienced a decline in productivity and work performance due to insufficient rest caused by eczema. About 40 per cent said they had to take time off work or resign due to the condition.