Health-Related Quality of Life and Its Contributory Factors in Allergic Rhinitis Patients in Nigeria

Abstract

Objectives:

(1) Determine the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in allergic patients. (2) Identify contributory factors to patient well-being.

Methods:

Cross-sectional study by multistage sampling from October, 2013, to January, 2014. Kwara state has 16 local government areas with 3 senatorial districts, total land mass of 36,825 km² with population of 2,591,555. Subjects: 132 consenting adults; 66 had allergic rhinitis (AR) using Score for Allergic Rhinitis (SFAR) instrument, and 66 were age- and sex-matched controls. (χ² = 0, df = 1, P = 1 and χ² 2 = 1.24, df =2, P = .54, respectively). Information on HRQoL was obtained using the 14-parameter mini Rhinoconjuctivitis Quality of Life questionnaire (mRQOL). Socio-demographic variables possibly contributory to patient’s well-being were obtained. Analysis of variance and T test were used to compare means.

Results:

The overall Total Symptom Score (TSS) was 3.37 ± 0.9, while male and female allergic patients and control TSS were 3.61 ± 1.0; 3.16 ± 0.8, and 0.98 ± 0.2; 0.95 ± 0.2, respectively. Effects of sex, marital status, senatorial districts, residential area, and duration of symptoms had significant impact on quality of life. The highest correlation between the components of the mRQOL questionnaire existed between eye problems and other symptoms (P = .703).

Conclusions:

AR had appreciable impact on HRQoL of the participants. Sex, marital status, senatorial districts, residential area, and duration of symptoms were major identifiable contributory factors to patient well-being. We recommend prompt diagnosis and management as appropriate.