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    Latex glove use among healthcare workers in Australia

    265780.pdf (291.1Kb)
    Access Status
    Open access
    Authors
    Carey, Renee
    Fritschi, Lin
    Driscoll, T.
    Abramson, M.
    Glass, D.
    Darcey, E.
    Si, Si
    Benke, G.
    Reid, Alison
    El-Zaemey, Sonia
    Date
    2018
    Type
    Journal Article
    
    Metadata
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    Citation
    Carey, R. and Fritschi, L. and Driscoll, T. and Abramson, M. and Glass, D. and Darcey, E. and Si, S. et al. 2018. Latex glove use among healthcare workers in Australia. American Journal of Infection Control. 46 (9): pp. 1014-1018.
    Source Title
    American Journal of Infection Control
    DOI
    10.1016/j.ajic.2018.03.011
    ISSN
    0196-6553
    School
    School of Public Health
    URI
    http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11937/66711
    Collection
    • Curtin Research Publications
    Abstract

    Background: Exposure to natural rubber latex, primarily through the use of gloves, is a well-recognized cause of occupational asthma. We investigated latex glove use among Australian workers and estimated the resultant burden of occupational asthma among healthcare workers (HCWs). Methods: Data were collected in 2014 as part of the Australian Work Exposures Study-Asthma, a telephone survey investigating the prevalence of current occupational exposure to asthmagens, including latex. We estimated adjusted prevalence ratios (aPRs) to determine variables associated with the use of latex gloves among HCWs and calculated the asthma-related disability-adjusted life years due to latex exposure among HCWs. Results: Latex gloves were used by 22% of respondents. Almost two-thirds (63%) of HCWs reported wearing latex gloves, with 26% using powdered latex gloves. The use of latex gloves was more common among those employed in micro companies (less than 5 employees) than large companies (200+ employees) (aPR = 1.5, 95% confidence interval 1.1-2.0). Latex exposure in HCWs was estimated to contribute 3% of the total asthma-related burden. Discussion: Latex gloves are widely used by Australian workers and by HCWs in particular. Conclusions: This is the first estimate of the burden of asthma attributable to occupational exposure to latex among HCWs. These results can be used to guide decisions regarding the control of occupational exposure to latex.

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