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 students from all colleges of the University. 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 relation ship of Allergic Rhinitis and respiratory infections and Asthma.

Title

MIDDLE EAST JOURNAL OF FAMILY MEDICINE

Publisher

An-Najah National University

Publisher Country

Palestine

Publication Type

Both (Printed and Online)

Volume

7

Year

2009

Pages

16-22