Abstract
A study was conducted to determine the frequency of allergic rhinitis among healthcare professionals and its impact on their work at the Aga Khan University Hospital Karachi Pakistan. Healthcare workers including doctors, nurses, technicians and pharmacists were included. Participants were asked to fill a questionnaire consisting of score for allergic rhinitis (SFAR), and work productivity and activity impairment questionnaires. Out of 167 workers, 101 were males. Mean age of the participants was 29.0 ± 5.9 years. Overall prevalence of allergic rhinitis among healthcare workers was found to be frequency (19.2%). We noted that 13 individuals reported to have missed their work in the past week accounting to 4.3% of their work. When calculated with the actual work hours 35.9% of their work was reported to have been impaired due to this condition.
Highlights
Allergic rhinitis is a common condition which is defined as an IgE mediated inflammatory reaction of the nasal mucosa caused by allergen.[1]
Participants with score of 8 and above were considered as having allergic rhinitis[26] and were asked to fill the second part which comprised "Work productivity and activity impairment questionnaire (WPAI)" which was used to see the impact of allergic rhinitis on work
* score for allergic rhinitis (SFAR) score for Allergic Rhinitis issues, accounting for 4.3% of their working time
Summary
Allergic rhinitis is a common condition which is defined as an IgE mediated inflammatory reaction of the nasal mucosa caused by allergen.[1]. As the prevalence of allergic rhinitis is quite high, and due to its potential of causing significant impairment in quality of life and decrease in work productivity, many organisations such as American Lung Association,[18] Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS),[19] Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Job Accommodation Network (JAN) and U.S Department of Labour (DOL)[20] have emphasised, formulated and adopted different policies for hospitals, public places and work places Some of these emphasise on smoke and fragrance free workplace in order to reduce triggering of the symptoms of allergic rhinitis. We conducted this study with the primary objective of determining the frequency of allergic rhinitis among healthcare professionals at a tertiary healthcare centre and how it impacts their work
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