Job and demographic risk factors influencing cellular mediated hypersensitivity among Nigerian Laboratory University workers in multiple chemical exposures

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Background: Chemicals from laboratories represent a significant risk in cellular mediated hypersensitivity (CMH) and chemo-induced skin injury due to chemical agents present under human skin layers absorbed from the surface. This study aimed to determine the occupational and socio-demographic characteristics of the laboratory workers associated with CMH in multiple chemical exposures. Design: This was a cross-sectional study on a population-based sample of Nigerian laboratory university workers. Methods: Data were collected using the erythema index meter. The study included 287 laboratory workers. Results: The results showed that the number of positive with CMH was 176 (61.3%) with 99 (56.3%) of them were male with AOR 0.31 (95%CI: 0.12, 0.77; p=0.011). Dark-skinned participants with CMH had adjusted odd ration, AOR 0.49 (95%CI: 0.21, 081; p =0.001). Most of the respondents have college education and have been exposed for 4-5hrs in the laboratory with AOR 2.42 (95%CI: 1.10, 5.38; p = 0.049) and 3.11 (95%CI: 1.77, 9.23; p =0.001) respectively. The use of personal protective equipment (PPE) was 60% less likely to be significantly induced with CMH with AOR 0.40 (95%CI: 0.22, 0.77; p =0.011). The Permissible exposure limit (PEL) of chemical was less but have an induced CMH with AOR 4.22 (95%CI: 2.88, 12.11; p =0.004). Conclusion: Results revealed that sex, skin color, working experience, educational level, PPE, PEL, and time of exposure were the probable predictive factors associated with the development of CMH. This study has shown that CMH was significantly associated with occupational and demographic factors. Better educational knowledge and attitude of hazards and safety in the laboratory would lead to a reduced rate of new cases.