engleski

Health Care Workers' Compliance with Glove Use: study in Croatia

Introduction: Natural rubber latex is commonly used in health care for medical gloves. The use of powder latex gloves has been banned in many countries due to the risk of developing adverse effects exposed to them. Latex gloves with powder are used on a daily basis in Croatian hospitals. Material and Methods: This study was approved by the Ethics Committee of the University of Zagreb School of Medicine. The Participants were healthcare workers who work in hospitals and use latex gloves every day. self - reported questionnaire was used for latex allergy screening and the participants could report all the skin problems related to the use of latex gloves. Data were collected in May 2018. Results: In the study participated 455 healthcare workers. Of all participants, after latex glove use, half of them had symptoms of hand dermatitis and 18 % reported urticaria. Contact dermatitis develops more significantly in the participants who wear gloves more than 5 hours a day (P=0.001). Most of the participants who suffered from hand dermatitis related to latex didn't have any symptoms when they were on holiday or sick leave. Participants with symptoms of contact dermatitis associated with wearing gloves are more likely to develop an allergic reaction. They have urticarial when they are in contact with elastic straps (P=0.00), blowing balloons (P=0.03), using condoms, diaphragms, and other sexual aids (P=0.00). Conclusion: Awareness of latex products and powdered latex gloves as an occupational hazard is important, as well as continuing education about latex and raising awareness about latex allergy in everyday life.

latex, gloves, safety at work

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