title: Prevalence of latex allergy among healthcare workers in Izmir (Turkey).
abstract: The purpose of this study was to determine prevalence of natural rubber latex (NRL) allergy among healthcare employees and identify sensitive individuals. A total of 1,115 healthcare workers (HCWs) employed in Izmir Tepecik Education and Research Hospital participated in the study. Information on age, gender, occupation, history of allergy, and complaints were collected through a questionnaire. Serum latex-specific IgE level was determined. Among HCWs enrolled in the study, prevalence of latex sensitization was determined as 4.2%. More frequent occurrence of latex allergy was detected among nurses. Family history of allergy and history of personal food allergy were significantly more often noted among individuals with latex allergy. Latex is considered to be the leading source of occupational health problems.
authors.forename: Sükran
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Köse
authors.forename: Aliye
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Mandiracioğlu
authors.forename: Bengü
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Tatar
authors.forename: Selma
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Gül
authors.forename: Mehmet
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Erdem
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006282:Health Personnel / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D006967:Hypersensitivity / Q000453:epidemiology; D020315:Latex Hypersensitivity / Q000453:epidemiology*; D008297:Male; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology*; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects*; D015995:Prevalence; D012907:Smoking / Q000453:epidemiology; D014421:Turkey