Prevalence of Allergic Rhinitis based on World Health Organization (ARIA-WHO) questionnaire among Batch 2010 Students of the Faculty of Medicine Universitas Padjadjaran
Abstract: Allergic rhinitis
(AR) is a common disease affecting 5–45% of Asian population. Although it is
not a life-threatening disease, AR significantly hampers the quality of life of
the sufferers. The prevalence of AR among adults in Indonesia is still unknown.
This study aimed to measure the prevalence of AR among batch 2010 students of
the Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Padjadjaran.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted during June–October 2013
involving Indonesian class batch 2010 students of the Faculty of Medicine,
Universitas Padjadjaran. The sampling was performed using total sampling
approach. The measurement tool used in this study was the Indonesian
translation of the Allergic Rhinitis and its Impact on Asthma-World Health
Organization (ARIA-WHO) questionnairee. Those who were aware of being diagnosed
with AR or had two/more AR defining symptoms in the questionnaire form were
considered to have AR. The statistical analysis was conducted by calculating
frequencies.
Results: A total of 207 questionnaire forms were adequately filled out
and returned. Based on the questionnaire, the prevalence rate of AR was 38.2%.
Of the 79 AR cases, 66% cases involved females. In addition, 54% of the the AR
cases have a parental history of allergic diseases. Nasal obstruction and itchy
nose were the most frequent symptoms (90%), followed by rhinorrhea (89%),
sneezing (82%), and eye symptoms (62%). Based on the duration, the majority
fell into the intermittent group (91%); whereas based on severity, the majority
was in the moderate-severe group (71%).
Conclusions: The prevalence rate of AR obtained in this study is within
the estimated range of Asian population.
Author: Fauzi, Melati Sudiro,
Bony Wiem Lestari
Journal Code: jpkedokterangg150324
