Prevalence, clinical characteristics and allergen sensitization patterns of allergic rhinitis and its impact on daily activities among the general population of Al-Jouf province, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Background: Allergic rhinitis (AR) has a major global health impact on all age groups, with a global increase in its annual morbidity and mortality rate. It is common among children and adults in many regions of Saudi Arabia. In spite of its increasing incidence and its great impact on the family, the precise risk factors and the level of awareness on AR in Aljouf region are still unclear. Methodology: This is a questionnaire-based cross-sectional study to identify the common risk factors and their impact on individuals' daily activities. An online questionnaire was disseminated among residents (Saudi and non-Saudi) in Al-Jouf provinces in Saudi Arabia in the period from January to March, 2022. Results: The prevalence of AR among participants was 67.4%, and dust, weather changes, smells, fumes, cold air, perfumes, animal dander, and pollens were the common risk factors. Almost all participants have reported that the manifestations were intermittent (less than 4 weeks, 86.5%), seasonal, and more common during Jumada Al-Thani, Jumada Al-Awwal, Rabi Al-Thani, Rabi Al-Awwal, and Rajab, respectively. Many patients with allergic rhinitis had sleep disturbances, and their daily activities affected. Conclusion: There is high prevalence of AR in Al-jouf region, Saudi Arabia. Thus health education programs are essential to raise community awareness about the risk factors and how to avoid them.

Prevalence and determinants of Allergic Rhinitis among the population of Jeddah Saudi Arabia

“…AR can have a huge burden on the health system. Sleep disturbance is one of the factors that reclassify the severity of AR from mild to moderate-severe (Mahdavinia and Grammer, 2013;Al-Rasheedi et al, 2022). Allergic rhinitis has economic, clinical and social negative consequences (Phoff et al, 2015).…”