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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Prevalence_of_Allergic_Rhinitis_&_Its_Risk_Factors_Among_An-Najah_Uni-_versity_Students_NablusPalestin.pdf | 901.27 KB |