| Author: | Chung, Lap-yan |
| Title: | Prevalence of IgE-mediated latex allergy in health care worker in Hong Kong |
| Degree: | M.Sc. |
| Year: | 2001 |
| Subject: | Medical personnel -- China -- Hong Kong -- Case studies Allergy -- China -- Hong Kong -- Case studies Latex -- China -- Hong Kong -- Case studies Hong Kong Polytechnic University -- Dissertations |
| Department: | Multi-disciplinary Studies Department of Nursing and Health Sciences |
| Pages: | iv, 59, [10] leaves : ill. ; 30 cm |
| Language: | English |
| Abstract: | Background: IgE mediated hypersensitivity to latex is recognized as an important occupational problem in health-care workers. The prevalence of latex allergy in health care workers is poorly documented in Asian populations. Aims: To determine the prevalence of IgE mediated latex allergy in the health care worker of a private hospital in Hong Kong. Methods: Health care workers (n=134) in the St. Teresa's Hospital participated in the study. Latex exposure data were obtained through Self-administered questionnaires. Serologic assays were performed to determinate the anti-latex specific IgE level and the atopic status of the subjects. Serologic assays results were classified as positive and negative for anti-latex specific IgE. Associations between occupational and non-occupational risk factors for latex allergy are assessed. Results: Six subjects were anti-latex specific IgE positive for a prevalence of 4.5%. Logistic regression indicated that atopy was significantly associated with latex allergy. There were no significant differences between the latex allergy and non-latex allergy groups in regard to age, sex, job category, hours gloved each and number of glove changes each day. Glove related symptoms were reported by almost one half of the study group. Symptoms of skin dryness and itching were significantly different between the latex allergy and non-latex allergy groups. Conclusion: This study concluded that the prevalence of latex IgE mediated allergy in the hospital workers is 4.5%. Atopic health care workers should be alert to the exposure of latex. |
| Rights: | All rights reserved |
| Access: | restricted access |
Files in This Item:
| File | Description | Size | Format | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| b15733361.pdf | For All Users (off-campus access for PolyU Staff & Students only) | 3.67 MB | Adobe PDF | View/Open |
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