Knowledge Levels of Nursing Students Regarding Latex Allergy

Abstract

Objective: The present study aims to determine the level of knowledge regarding latex allergy among nursing students. Methods: The sample of this descriptive study consists of 171 nursing students enrolled in a university. Data were collected using a Demographic Information Form and a Latex Allergy Knowledge Form. Whether the data were normally distributed was determined using the Kolmogorov-Smirnov and Shapiro-Wilk tests. In cases where the data showed normal distribution, the ANOVA test was used to compare the test scores of more than two groups. The Post Hoc Scheffe test was used to determine significant differences. The Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare the test scores of binary groups. Results: Participants’ mean total score on the latex allergy knowledge form was 32.36±4.20, and considering the self-reports, 5.8% of students had a latex allergy. There was a significant difference in latex allergy knowledge scores among participants based on the classes they were attending (p=0.022). In the study, 85.4% of students were aware of the higher risk of allergic reactions due to wearing latex gloves among healthcare workers. The percentage of participants who that disposable gloves contain latex was 87.7%. It was found that students had misconceptions in some questions regarding latex-containing products, allergy symptoms, potential problematic foods, and treatment-prevention methods, with error rates reaching up to 75%. Conclusions: It is essential to develop educational programs to increase awareness of latex allergy in laboratory and hospital settings within the undergraduate nursing curriculum. Conducting screenings for latex allergy, particularly among first-year students, is particularly important to ensure employee safety. Faculties should take necessary measures to provide a safe learning environment for students, including those with latex allergies. Moreover, educational conditions should be adapted to accommodate students with latex allergies.