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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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] We examined body comparisons as mediators of thinness norms and body concern. [•] We examined this multiple mediational model with Australian adolescent girls. [•] Body image concern was correlated with both thinness norms and body comparisons. [•] Body comparisons with peers and models mediated the norm–body concern relationship. [•] Body comparison with peers was a stronger mediator than comparison with models. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objective: To test the impact of an advance letter on response and cooperation rates in a nationwide telephone survey, given previous inconsistent results. Study Design and Setting: Within the context of a larger telephone survey, 1,000 Australian households were randomly selected to take part in this trial. Half were randomly allocated to receive an advance letter, whereas the remainder did not receive any advance communication. Response and cooperation rates were compared between the two groups. Results: A total of 244 interviews were completed, 134 of which were with households that had been sent an advance letter. Intentionto- treat analysis revealed no significant difference in response between those who had received a letter and those who had not (26.8% vs. 22.0%, respectively). In addition, there was no significant difference between the groups in terms of either cooperation (78.4% vs. 79.7%) or response rate (56.3% vs. 57.9%), and no clear differences emerged in terms of the demographic characteristics of the two groups. Results: A total of 244 interviews were completed, 134 of which were with households that had been sent an advance letter. Intentionto- treat analysis revealed no significant difference in response between those who had received a letter and those who had not (26.8% vs. 22.0%, respectively). In addition, there was no significant difference between the groups in terms of either cooperation (78.4% vs. 79.7%) or response rate (56.3% vs. 57.9%), and no clear differences emerged in terms of the demographic characteristics of the two groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]