Allergic Rhinits: Prevalence And Associated Factors Among Students of A Secondary School in South-west Nigeria.

Abstract

Background: Allergic rhinitis is a symptomatic disorder following exposure to trigger particles. It is frequently associated with other systemic manifestations of allergy as well as asthma and is known to have significant effects on the quality of life of sufferers. Methodology: A cross-sectional survey conducted amongst students in a secondary school in South-West Nigeria.A modified I.S.A.A.C questionnaire, was administered with questions assessing the presence and severity of allergic symptoms, as well as the possible risk factors. Data collected was analyzed using SPSS version 21. Results: Six hundred and twenty-one [621] students were recruited for this study. The prevalence of allergic rhinitis was 56.7%, of which 28.8% had accompanying itchiness of the throat, as well as itchiness, watering and redness of the eyes. Dust (33.0%) and Cold (15.6%) were the commonly implicated allergens with symptoms peaking in the months of October and November. Symptoms of allergic rhinitis were found in 79.1%, 73.9% and 64.2% of respondents with symptoms of physician diagnosed asthma, allergic conjunctivitis and a family history of allergy respectively.Only 7.5% of respondents admitted to be significantly affected by their symptoms while 15% had missed a class in the preceding 12 months due to these symptoms. Conclusion: Allergic rhinitis co-exists with other forms of allergy: dermatitis, conjunctivitis and asthma. The commonest identified allergens in this environment are dust and cold, with symptoms most severe towards the end of the rainy season and beginning of the harmattan.