[Investigation on the prevalence and risk factors in adults associated with allergic rhinitis in Yinchuan].

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the epidemiological characteristics of allergic rhinitis (AR) among adults in Yinchuan, focusing on its prevalence and associated risk factors in recent years. Methods: A cross-sectional epidemiological survey was conducted among adult residents in Yinchuan from June to October 2022, including three districts, two counties, and one city, to identify and analyze factors influencing the incidence of AR in the population. Results: A total of 3 345 individuals were surveyed, including 1 891 males (56.5%) and 1 454 females (43.5%). The overall AR prevalence was 17.2% (576/3 345). The self-reported prevalence was 16.2% (306/1 891) in males and 18.6% (270/1 454) in females, with no statistically significant difference (χ²=3.29, P=0.07). The prevalence was significantly lower among the elderly (aged over 60 years) at 11.8% (60/509) compared to the middle-aged (aged 40-59 years) at 17.1% (202/1 183) and young adults (aged 18-39 years) at 19.0% (314/1 653, χ²=10.36, P=0.023). Han nationality had the highest self-reported prevalence (18.8%, 446/2 372), followed by other ethnic minorities (17.6%, 13/74), and Hui nationality (13.0%, 117/899; χ²=11.21, P=0.004). Regionally, Xingqing District had the highest self-reported prevalence at (19.5%, 188/964), followed by Jinfeng District (18.7%, 151/808), Lingwu City (17.5%, 58/332), Xixia District (14.9%, 78/522), Yongning County (14.3%, 49/342), and Helan County (13.8%, 52/377; χ²=35.68, P=0.038). In terms of disease severity, mild cases made up 55.4% (319/576), while moderate to severe cases constituted 44.6% (257/576). In terms of symptom characteristics, perennial AR patients accounted for 18.8% (108/576), seasonal AR patients accounted for 81.2% (468/576), and 25.7% (148/576) of self-reported AR patients had other allergic diseases. Regarding diagnosis and treatment, 38.7% (223/576) of patients underwent allergen tests, 65.1% (375/576) received medication, but 62.3% (359/576) reported symptoms persisting for 2-year post-treatment, 32.6% (188/576) reported uncontrolled symptoms, and 5% (29/576) experienced symptoms worsening. Conclusions: The study provides a preliminary understanding of the epidemiological characteristics of AR in Yinchuan. These findings provide a reference for formulating relevant public health policies, clarifying prevention and treatment strategies, and improving the prevention and control system for AR.