Glove allergy and sensitization to natural rubber latex among nursing staff at Srinagarind Hospital, Khon Kaen, Thailand.
Article
in English
| IMSEAR
| ID: sea-39112
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
According to studies from different countries, the prevalence of natural rubber latex (NRL) sensitization in healthcare workers ranges from 2.9 to 17%. The incidence and prevalence of sensitization and allergy to NRL in Thailand is limited to two studies. There is no study among the high risk healthcare workers.OBJECTIVES:
1) To estimate the prevalence of natural rubber latex (NRL) glove allergy and NRL sensitization among nurses; 2) To describe its clinical symptoms. MATERIAL ANDMETHOD:
Included in the present study were 412 nursing and medical record staff. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect personal biodata and individual allergy histories to NRL products. Skin prick tests (SPTs) with the commercial NRL allergens; Stallergènes, S.A, Fresnes, France, and common environmental allergens, were performed.RESULTS:
The questionnaire response rate was 88% (412/470), 93% females. The response rate of SPT was 72% (295/412) (95%CI 67.2, 76.0). The prevalence of NRL glove allergic symptoms and NRL sensitization was 24% (95%CI 19.9, 28.1) and 2% (95%CI 0.4, 3.6), respectively. The mostfrequently reported symptoms among the positive SPT to NRL was angioedema. Five of the six NRL sensitised subjects had had high exposure to NRL.CONCLUSION:
NRL sensitization among Thai nursing staff is less prevalent than in healthcare workers in Europe.
Full text:
Available
Index:
IMSEAR (South-East Asia)
Main subject:
Thailand
/
Female
/
Humans
/
Male
/
Allergens
/
Cross-Sectional Studies
/
Occupational Exposure
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Gloves, Protective
/
Adult
/
Latex Hypersensitivity
Type of study:
Observational study
/
Prevalence study
/
Risk factors
Country/Region as subject:
Asia
Language:
English
Year:
2006
Type:
Article
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