Abstract
BackgroundThe SNAPSHOT program provides current data on the allergic rhinitis burden in the adult general population of five Middle Eastern countries (Egypt, Turkey, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, the latter three grouped into a Gulf cluster).MethodsA multi-country, cross-sectional, epidemiological program conducted by telephone in a random sample of the adult general population; quotas were defined per country demographics. Subjects were screened for allergic rhinitis using the Score For Allergic Rhinitis questionnaire. Current prevalence (last 12 months) was estimated. Disease severity and control were assessed using the Allergic Rhinitis and its Impact on Asthma classification and Rhinitis Control Assessment Test respectively. Quality of sleep, impact on daily activities and quality of life were measured using the Epworth Sleepiness Scale, Sheehan Disability Scale and EuroQol Five-Dimension questionnaire respectively. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to investigate risk factors and co-morbidities.Results1808 of 33,486 subjects enrolled in the SNAPSHOT program fulfilled the case definition for allergic rhinitis. Prevalence was 3.6% [95% CI 3.2–4.0%] in Egypt, 6.4% [95% CI 5.9–6.9%] in Turkey and 6.4% [95% CI 6.0–6.9%] in the Gulf cluster. Risk factors identified were country, co-morbid asthma and income. Subjects with allergic rhinitis reported a significantly lower quality of life compared to the general population (p < 0.0001). Overall, 55% of allergic rhinitis subjects were moderate/severe and 33% were uncontrolled. Both these groups reported impaired quality of life and quality of sleep and increased impairment of daily activities compared to mild/well-controlled subjects (p < 0.0001).ConclusionsAlthough the observed prevalence of allergic rhinitis in these Middle Eastern countries is low compared to western countries, its burden is considerable. Allergic rhinitis in general, and specifically uncontrolled and severe disease, results in a negative impact on quality of life, quality of sleep and daily activities.
Highlights
The SNAPSHOT program provides current data on the allergic rhinitis burden in the adult general population of five Middle Eastern countries (Egypt, Turkey, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, the latter three grouped into a Gulf cluster)
Data from the Burden of Rhinitis in America study reported the prevalence of rhinitis associated with seasonal or perennial rhinitis to range between 11.9% and 30.2% depending on duration of symptoms and physician diagnosis [8]
In the Gulf cluster, it was difficult to reach the target sample size, and since the combined number of interviews conducted to date in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) showed that the program objectives could be achieved from a sample size perspective, recruitment was stopped in February 2016 and the database locked on the 11th of April 2016
Summary
The SNAPSHOT program provides current data on the allergic rhinitis burden in the adult general population of five Middle Eastern countries (Egypt, Turkey, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, the latter three grouped into a Gulf cluster). Allergic Rhinitis (AR) is a common inflammatory disorder affecting the nasal membranes characterised by symptoms such as sneezing and nasal congestion. It is a global health problem; conservative estimates suggest that approximately 500 million people worldwide. One study carried out in six European countries (Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the United Kingdom (UK)) using the Allergic Rhinitis and its Impact on Asthma (ARIA) definition of AR reported that overall, the prevalence of AR, confirmed by clinical examination was 22.7%. Data from the Burden of Rhinitis in America study reported the prevalence of rhinitis associated with seasonal or perennial rhinitis to range between 11.9% and 30.2% depending on duration of symptoms and physician diagnosis [8]
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