Social and Psychological Impact of Allergic Rhinitis among University Students in Malaysia

Abstract

Background: Allergic rhinitis is a global health problem. It is a symptomatic disorder of the nose after

allergen exposure due to IgE mediated inflammation of membrane lining the nose with clinical manifestation

of rhinorrhea, sneezing, itching and nasal congestion. It is the sixth most prevalent chronic disease in the

world with approximately 1 million people affected each year including up to 40% of the student population.

This study aims to explore the social and psychological impact of allergic rhinitis among university students.

Methodology: This descriptive cross sectional study was conducted on 1000 students of a private university

in Malaysia who were willing to participate. Convenient sampling technique was used. The study tool used

was a well structural questionnaire. Inferential statistical analysis was done. Results: In our study group,800

students were found to have allergic rhinitis (AR). They were in the age group of 18-26 years. Among them,

55% were females and 45% were males. Most of them, 495 (61.87%) were symptomatic for <3 years.

Rhinorrhea was the most annoying symptom of AR stated by 37.5% of the study population. Sinusitis was

the commonest cited comorbidity (29%). Communication and socialization problems were reported by 79%

of our study group, while 50% were affected psychologically. Sleep, mood and concentration were the most

affected. Conclusion: Allergic rhinitis can adversely affect the social and psychological life of students.

These effects though not life threatening need to be borne in mind while dealing with students with allergic

rhinitis.