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Validity of self-reported nickel allergy.
Anna Josefson1, Gunilla Färm, Birgitta Meding
1Department of Dermatology, Orebro University Hospital, Orebro, Sweden. anna.josefson@orebroll.se
Contact Dermatitis
|June 12, 2010
Summary
Self-reported nickel allergy is often inaccurate, overestimating true prevalence. This study found low validity in self-assessments for nickel allergy compared to clinical testing.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Allergology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Self-reported data are frequently used in epidemiological studies to estimate nickel allergy prevalence.
- The practicality of self-reports necessitates validation for accurate prevalence estimation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the validity of self-reported nickel allergy.
- To assess the accuracy of questionnaire-based self-assessment for nickel allergy.
Main Methods:
- A study involving 369 women (aged 30-40) from the general population.
- Participants completed a questionnaire prior to clinical examination and patch testing.
- Two specific questions on nickel sensitivity and rash from metal contact were validated.
Main Results:
- Patch testing revealed a 30% nickel-positive reaction rate.
- Self-reported nickel allergy prevalence was higher at 40% and 35% for the two questions.
- Positive predictive values were 59% and 60%; childhood eczema history correlated with false positives.
Conclusions:
- The validity of self-reported nickel allergy is low.
- Self-reported data tend to overestimate the actual prevalence of nickel allergy.
- Childhood eczema is a factor in inaccurate self-reporting of nickel allergy.
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