Prevalence of Allergic Rhinitis and its Impact on Quality of Life Among Pediatric Patients in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Objectives: Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a common condition among schoolchildren in various regions of Saudi Arabia, manifesting primarily through nasal symptoms. It significantly affects sleep, mood, and academic performance due to exposure to allergens. AR places a considerable burden on the quality of life (QoL), often leading to moderate to high levels of stress. We aimed to assess the prevalence and impact of AR on the QoL among children. Methods: This cross-sectional observational study was conducted from September 2023 to April 2024 in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. Data was collected from a self-administered questionnaire adapted from previous studies. Results: The study included 235 pediatric patients. The prevalence of diagnosed AR among the participants was 64.3% (n = 151). Symptoms duration varied, with seasonal allergies affecting 63.4% (n = 149) and perennial allergies affecting 41.7% (n = 98) of the children. Notably, sleep quality was significantly compromised in 79.1% (n = 186) of cases, and emotional well-being was impacted in 78.3% (n = 184). AR was significantly correlated with impaired daily activities, school performance, and social interactions (p < 0.001). It also had a profound impact on sleep quality (p < 0.001), emotional well-being (p < 0.001), and physical activity (p < 0.001), indicating a broad and severe effect on QoL. Management strategies demonstrated significant associations, with education or counseling (p = 0.009) and psychological support (p = 0.043), showing the strongest correlation with the prevalence and management of AR. Conclusions: This study demonstrated that AR has a significant and multifaceted impact on pediatric patients in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, affecting daily activities, sleep, emotional well-being, and physical activities. While educational initiatives and psychological support showed promise in managing the condition, further efforts are required to address environmental factors and enhance comprehensive management strategies.

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