Self-Reported Latex Glove Hypersensitivity Among Dental Personnel In Aimst Dental Institute

Background: Dental personnel are at risk of latex allergy because of their regular use of latex gloves. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of latex glove allergy among the dental personnel in Faculty of Dentistry, AIMST University, Malaysia. Methodology: A cross sectional study was conducted among randomly selected 234 dental personnel comprising of dental specialist, dentist, dental students, dental surgery assistant, dental clinic assistants, dental laboratory technician and dental radiographer. Data related to glove usage, signs and symptoms related to glove use, any other type of allergy and precautions taken to minimize symptoms were collected by pre-tested self-administered questionnaire. Result: A total 58 (24.8%) dental personnel reported allergy to latex gloves. Rashes (48.4%) and pruritis (15.3%) are the most common latex gloves related symptoms. Gender, years of latex glove exposure, history of atopy and allergy towards certain food showed significantly associated with latex glove allergy (P < 0.05). Most of the dental personnel used powdered-free gloves (34.1%) as a precaution to minimise symptoms related to latex glove allergy. Conclusion: One fourth (24.8%) of the dental personnel have latex glove hypersensitivity which is higher than the global prevalence. Further study and further medical assessment are recommended followed by specific measures to manage the hypersensitivity symptoms.