An-Najah Staff

Background:  Inhalant allergic conditions such as seasonal and perennial allergic rhinitis are becoming quite common. The effect of allergy  on an individual’s quality of life and the extent to which it may restrict daily activities is often overlooked.  Controlling allergies can significantly decrease health care cost. The purpose of this study is to estimate the prevalence of allergic rhinitis  among young adults in Palestine represented by An- Najah University students.
Methods:  The study sample consisted of around 1000 (52% females, & 48% males) randomly selected students from all colleges of the  University. Data were collected through structured interview including questionnaire filling. All data were analysed using SPSS program  applying Chi-square test, with 95 % level of significant (P value = 0.05).
Results:  Allergic rhinitis prevalence rate was 3.1 and the percentage of patients who reported to have allergic rhinitis was 38.1%; there was  no statistically significant association between allergic rhinitis and gender, smoking, place of living, and other housing conditions. On the  other hand the relationship between allergic rhinitis and weight loss, deep sleeping, chronic respiratory infections, nasal polyps, anxiety, and  sleep apnoea was a statistically significant relationship (p value < 0.05). The triggers that have a large effect on the health of the population  sample for allergic rhinitis were respiratory infections, tyre burning and war gases, house dust, strong odours, auto exhaust, smoke and  weather changes (49.7%, 49 .1 %, 46.7%, 40.6 %, 33.9%, 33.8%, 34.2%), respectively.
Conclusion:  Results show relatively lower allergic rhinitis prevalence in Palestine compared to some neighbouring countries, but were  consistent with studies done in Turkey. The results confirmed the strong relationship of Allergic Rhinitis and respiratory infections and  Asthma