Prevalence of allergic rhinitis among healthcare workers and its impact on their work: A cross-sectional survey at a tertiary healthcare center in Pakistan

Introduction:

Allergic rhinitis is a condition that causes disturbance in daily life as well as reduction in productivity of work and expenditure over it has been shown to increase rapidly. The prevalence of allergic rhinitis has increased slightly across the world and health care workers have increased risk of developing allergic diseases. Multiple organizations have made and implemented different policies for public places and work places to reduce the burden of this condition. The objective of our study was to determine the frequency of allergic rhinitis among healthcare professionals at our center and to determine its impact on their work.

Materials and methods:

A cross sectional study was conducted at tertiary health care center. Health care workers including doctors, nurses, technicians and pharmacists were included. Participants were asked to fill a questionnaire which consisted of score for allergic rhinitis and work productivity and activity impairment questionnaires. Based on the score frequency of allergic rhinitis and its impact was noted.

Results:

Out of 167 health care workers, 101 were males. The mean age of the participants was 29.0 (± 5.9) years. Overall prevalence of allergic rhinitis among health care workers was found to be 19.2%. 13 individuals reported to miss their work in the past week due to allergic rhinitis, accounting 4.3% of their work. 35.9% of their work was reported to be impaired due to this condition.

Conclusion:

The overall prevalence of allergic rhinitis was 19.2% among health care workers and it has a negative impact on productivity of their work.

Publication History

Publication Date:
23 April 2019 (online)