Knowledge about occupational latex allergy amongst Thai nurses and student nurses
- 1
- 2
- 3
Abstract
Glove usage, particularly powdered latex glove is a cause of latex allergy in hospital workers; therefore those workers must have latex allergy knowledge to protect themselves and patients from serious health problems. This study aimed to examine knowledge about latex allergy among nurses and compare their performance with student nurses in Thailand. A knowledge ques-tionnaire was administered to a random sample of 30 nurses and 30 student nurses who worked in hospitals where powdered latex gloves were used. Overall, nurses and student nurses gave correct responses to 27% and 28% of the questions, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference in knowledge between nurses and student nurses. Both nurses and student nurses in Thailand have insufficient knowledge about latex allergy and its risk factors. Additional continuing education should be provided to reduce the probability of adverse reactions in sensitized staff and patients in Thai hospitals.
- Archambault, S., Malo, J.L., Infante-Rivard, C., Ghezzo, H. and Gautrin, D. (2001) Incidence of sensitization, symptoms, and probable occupational rhinoconjunctivitis and asthma in apprentices starting exposure to latex. Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, 107, 921- 923. doi:10.1067/mai.2001.114116
- Chaiear, N., Jindawong, B., Boonsawas, W., Kanchanarach, T. and Sakunkoo, P. (2006) Glove allergy and sensitization to natural rubber latex among nursing staff at Srinagarind hospital, Khon Kaen, Thailand. Journal of The Medical Association of Thailand, 89, 368-376.
- Diéquez, M.C., Pulido, Z., Hoz, de la B., Blanco, R., Cerecedo, I., Fernández-Caldes, E. and Swanson, M. (2007) Latex allergy in healthcare workers: An epidemiological study in a Spanish hospital. Allergy and Asthma Proceedings, 28, 564-570. doi:10.2500/aap2007.28.3036
- Bousquet, J., Flahault, A., Vandenplas, O., Ameille, J., Duron, J.J., Pecquet, C., Chevrie, K. and Annesi-Maesano, I. (2006) Natural rubber latex allergy among health care workers: A systematic review of the evidence. J Allergy Clin Immunol, 118, 447-454. doi:10.1016/j.jaci.2006.03.048
- Reddy, S. (1998) Latex allergy. American Family Physician, 57, 1-11.
- Archambault, S., Malo, J.L., Infante-Rivard, C., Ghezzo, H. and Gautrin, D. (2001) Incidence of sensitization, symptoms, and probable occupational rhinoconjunctivitis and asthma in apprentices starting exposure to latex. Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, 107, 921- 923. doi:10.1067/mai.2001.114116
- Sussman, G.L., Liss, G.M., Deal, K., Brown, S., Cividino, M., Siu, S., Beezhold, D.H., Smith, G., Swanson, M.C., Yunginger, J., Douglas, A., Holness, D.L., Lebert, P., Keith, P., Waserman, S. and Turjanmaa, K. (1998) Incidence of latex sensitization among latex glove users. Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, 101, 171- 178. doi:10.1016/S0091-6749(98)70381-1
- Allmers, H., Brehler, R., Chen, Z., Raulf-Heimsort, M., Fels, H. and Baur X. (1998) Reduction of latex aeroallergens and latex-specific IgE antibodies in sensitized workers after removal of powdered natural rubber latex gloves in a hospital. Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, 102, 841-846. doi:10.1016/S0091-6749(98)70026-0
- Danchaivijitr, S., Suwanasuthi, P., Cherdrungsi, R. and Tuntiwattanapibul, Y. (2005) A study on powdering of reusable surgical gloves. Journal of The Medical Association of Thailand, 88, S188- S191.
- Dakin, M.J. and Yentis, S.M. (1998) Latex allergy: A strategy for management. Anaesthesia, 53, 774-781. doi:10.1046/j.1365-2044.1998.00531.x