摘要：Background and Aim: Upsurge in usage of latex gloves over the last few decades,coupled with the proliferation of medical latex products at the workplace,has led to a higher incidence of latex-related symptoms among health-care workers (HCWs).This study aimed to assess the prevalence and associated factors of latex glove-related symptoms and sensitization among HCW at a multispecialty hospital.Materials and Methods: The study included all the paramedical personnel and nurses employed at a multispecialty hospital where powdered latex gloves were in use.Consenting participants were evaluated by a questionnaire for symptoms of latex allergy,followed by a skin prick test (SPT) for evaluating sensitization to latex allergen.Statistical Analysis Used: Mean,standard deviation,and Student's t-test were used for continuous data.Categorical data were analyzed using the Chi-square test.Odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were calculated.Results: Latex glove-related symptoms were present in 25 (10.91%) HCWs.Symptoms suggestive of Type I latex allergy were reported in 11 (4.8%),while those of contact dermatitis were reported in 17 (7.42%) HCWs.Of the 229 HCWs,37 (16.16%) had a personal history of atopy;14 (6.11%) were SPT positive to latex allergen.Conclusions: In this study among Indian HCW,there was a significant correlation of latex glove-related symptoms with the duration of glove use,personal atopy,and SPT positivity to latex allergen.Questionnaire-based evaluation of allergic symptoms along with SPT positivity was found to be a useful identifier of true latex allergy.
