Medicina Ocupacional y Asuntos de Salud

Abstracto

Management of Anaphylaxis to Hymenoptera Stings in Japanese Organizations with Forest Workers and Beekeepers

Sadaaki Shiromori, Hirokuni Hirata, Kazuhiro Tada, Takayoshi Owada, Kenya Koyama, Shinji Teramoto, Masafumi Arima, Yasutsugu Fukushima

Objectives Anaphylaxis to Hymenoptera sting is an important occupational allergy. To date, no studies have examined how organizations in Japan manage anaphylaxis to Hymenoptera stings. Therefore, in this study we surveyed organizations in Japan related to forestry and beekeeping to investigate how they promote health checks, intervene to promote prescription of adrenaline auto-injectors, and provide regular education and guidance on anaphylaxis.

Methods We contacted representatives of prefectural forestry agencies and branch offices of a Japanese beekeeping association by e-mail or telephone in all 47 prefectures for assistance distributing allergist-developed questionnaires. All questionnaires were completed between July 2019 and April 2020.

Results Valid responses were obtained from 30 prefectural forestry agencies and 19 beekeeping association branch offices. Approximately 37% (11/30) of prefectural forestry agencies and 0.0% (0/19) of beekeeping association branch offices screen for Hymenoptera venom-specific IgE antibodies in outdoor workers through health examinations or other means. Approximately 33% (10/30) of prefectural forestry agencies and 5.3% (1/19) of beekeeping association branch offices encourage forest workers and beekeeping association members, respectively, to consult their doctor about prescription of an adrenaline auto-injector.

Conclusions There are many obstacles to improving awareness of anaphylaxis among organizations in Japan and encouraging them to take appropriate measures. Thus, it is important to first raise awareness among managers of organizations so that they can communicate with and instruct their subordinates.