Prevalence of Allergic Rhinitis among Secondary School Pupils in Kinondoni District

Abstract

Introduction: An estimation of about 1.4 billion people are suffering from allergic rhinitis worldwide. Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a common debilitating disorder that can adversely affect the quality of life and the academic performance of school-age children. It is a condition that has a growing impact on every day medical practice, as its prevalence has steadily increased during the last decades. The burden of this disease has been on the rise according to recent ongoing studies. The quality of life of people with the condition is significantly affected, but there is very limited information on its pattern and magnitude in East Africa. Broad Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of allergic rhinitis among secondary school pupils in Kinondoni district, Dar-es-salaam. Methodology: This was a community based cross-sectional prospective study that was conducted in secondary schools in Kinondoni district, Dar-es-salaam over a period of six months between August 2016 and January 2017 using random sampling method. Data was collected using a pre-tested coded questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS statistical computer software version 21. Results: A point prevalence rate of 34.7% was reported with a female predominance with 15-16 age group predilections in this study. Sneezing (65.9%) was the commonest nasal symptom and hypertrophied inferior turbinate (61.8%) the commonest physical finding. The commonest aeroallergen was the house dust mite (77.3%) and the least was dog fur (5.9%). Conclusion: Allergic rhinitis affects a significant proportion of the adolescent population with symptoms which have a negative impact on the lifestyle of these participants. The common aeroallergens are found within our immediate surroundings e.g. house dust mite, which can be controlled if participants are educated and proper clean environmental control measures are instituted.