ABSTRACT

Latex containing medical products are in widely use among healthcare university students (HUS) (medical, nursing and paramedic) in their hospital practices. The objective of this study was to determine the frequency of local and systemic reactions relating to latex products and to reveal awareness level with regard to latex allergy among HUS in a medical academy. A cross-sectional study was conducted using a self-administered detailed questionnaire completed by HUS. The study samples were consisted of 159 medical students, 197 nursing students, and 226 paramedic students. Regardless from the gender and school, a total of 71 (12,2%) students were reported latex related symptoms. We found that the frequency of the latex related symptoms (local and systemic) were higher in nursing students. The relationship of latex related symptoms and the total number of previous history of invasive exam (mucosal, parenteral exposure with the latex containing medical products) was statistically significant (p<0,001). There was also a significant association between the latex related symptoms and history of allergic reactions related to cross reactive foods with latex (p=0,009). Overall, the nursing students had more awareness level on latex hypersensitivity compared to medical and paramedic students. Similar to healthcare workers, HSU were informed about latex and latex allergy.