Prevalence of Allergic Rhinitis & Its Risk Factors Among An-Najah University Students - Nablus/Palestin

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Journal Title, Volume, Page: 
Middle East Journal of Family Medicine, Volume 7, I Issue 3
Year of Publication: 
2007
Authors: 
Samar Ghazal/Musmar
Consultant, Family Medicine, NGHAKH, Al-Hasa, KSA, and Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, An-Najah National University, Nablus. Palestine
Current Affiliation: 
Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, An-Najah National University, Nablus. Palestine
Mohammed Musmar
Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, An-Najah National University, Nablus. Palestine
W. A.Minawi
Instructor, An-Najah University
Preferred Abstract (Original): 

Background: Inhalant allergic conditions such as seasonal and perennial allergic rhinitis is 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 costs. 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 1,000 (52% females, &  48%  males) randomly selected stu- dents from all colleges of the Uni- versity. 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 apnea was a statistically significant  relationship (p value < 0.05). The triggers that have large effects 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.

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