Prevalence and academic impact of allergic rhinitis among school-age children in rural Bengaluru: a cross-sectional study
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.18203/2349-3291.ijcp20260408Keywords:
Allergic rhinitis, School children, SFAR, Mini-RQLQ, Academic performanceAbstract
Background: Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a prevalent, but often an underdiagnosed, chronic condition in children, which may have a negative impact on quality of life (QoL) and academic performance. Objectives were to determine the prevalence of AR in Indian school children using the score for AR (SFAR), its impact on QoL using the mini-rhino conjunctivitis QoL questionnaire (Mini-RQLQ), and to assess its effect on studies.
Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 300 school children (6th-12th grades) in rural Bengaluru from June to August 2025 using parent-assisted SFAR, mini-RQLQ, and academic impact structured questionnaires. Statistical analyses were conducted in SPSS v25. Associations were tested using Chi-square and ANOVA, with p<0.05 considered significant.
Results: AR (SFAR≥7) was found in 55 children (18.3%) with prime triggers being cold weather (68%) and house dust (63%). Children with AR experienced sleeper disturbance, fatigue and ocular symptoms at higher rates. AR was significantly associated with impaired concentration (68.5%), reduced class participation (64.3%), and poorer examination performance (70%) compared to non-AR peers (p<0.001 for all). Nearly 40% of affected kids had doctor visit.
Conclusions: AR is common in school children of rural Bangalore and causes considerable impact to QoL and academic performance. Regular screening and timely intervention may help to reduce educational and psychosocial impacts.
Metrics
References
Dykewicz MS, Hamilos DL. Rhinitis and sinusitis. In: Middleton’s Allergy: Principles and Practice. 9th ed. Philadelphia: Elsevier. 2020.
Bousquet J, Khaltaev N, Cruz AA, Denburg J, Fokkens WJ, Togias A, et al. Allergic Rhinitis and its Impact on Asthma (ARIA) 2008 update. Allergy. 2008;63(86):8-160. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1398-9995.2007.01620.x
Pawankar R, Canonica GW, Holgate ST, Lockey RF. WAO White Book on Allergy. Milwaukee: World Allergy Organization. 2013.
Asher MI, Montefort S, Björkstén B, Christopher KWL, David PS, Stephan KW, et al. Worldwide time trends in allergic rhinoconjunctivitis in children. Lancet. 2006;368(9537):733-43. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(06)69283-0
Rajan A, Rao S. Burden of allergic rhinitis among school children and its educational consequences. Indian J Allergy Asthma Immunol. 2021;35:28-32.
Skoner DP. Allergic rhinitis: epidemiology and pathophysiology. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2001;108:S2-8. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1067/mai.2001.115569
Juniper EF, Guyatt GH, Dolovich J. Mini-RQLQ for children. Clin Exp Allergy. 1999;29:413-20.
Annesi-Maesano I, Didier A, Klossek JM. SFAR: a validated screening tool. Allergy. 2002;57:107-14. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1034/j.1398-9995.2002.1o3170.x
Sharma A, Bansal S, Aggarwal A. Prevalence of allergic rhinitis among North Indian school children. Indian J Allergy Asthma Immunol. 2020;34:90-4. DOI: https://doi.org/10.4103/ijaai.ijaai_13_20
Tripathi P, Rai P, Singh R. Allergic rhinitis in Indian children: a cross-sectional study. J Clin Diagn Res. 2019;13:OE01-4.
Meltzer EO. Quality of life in allergic rhinitis. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2001;108:S45-53. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1067/mai.2001.115566
Brożek JL, Bousquet J, Baena-Cagnani CE, Sergio B, Canonica GW, Casale TB, et al. ARIA 2010 revision. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2010;126(3):466-76. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaci.2010.06.047
Downloads
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
