[Epidemiological investigation of allergic rhinitis in Ningxia]

Objective: To investigate the epidemiological characteristics of allergic rhinitis (AR) in Ningxia and to analyze its related factors. Methods: From March to September of 2013, a multi-stage and cluster sampling method was used to investigate the diagnosis and treatment of AR in Ningxia Area (3 years and above). Guidelines for diagnosis and treatment of allergic rhinitis (2009, Wuyishan) was used as the basis for the diagnosis of adult AR, while Guidelines for diagnosis and treatment of pediatric allergic rhinitis (2010, Chongqing) was used as the basis for children. SPSS 16.0 software was used to complete the statistical analysis. Results: The total number of questionnaires was 6 000, and the number of effective questionnaire was 5 236, the recovery rate was 87.27%. With 684 cases diagnosed of AR, the prevalence of AR in Ningxia was 13.06% (684/5 236), including 13.40% (325/2 425) of males, 12.77% (359/2 811) of females. The difference was not statistically significant (χ(2)=0.456, P>0.05). There was significant difference in the prevalence between Hui and Han [14.35% (452/3 150) vs 11.12% (232/2 086), χ(2)=11.51, P<0.05]. According to ARIA criteria, persistent AR was 27.63% (189/684), intermittent AR was 72.37% (495/684). The month with highest incidence of AR in Ningxia Area was September, accounting for 71.78% (491/684). The prevalence of urban population was 14.54%, with the prevalence of rural population was 11.90%, and the difference was significant between urban and rural residents (χ(2)=7.90, P<0.05). The age group with highest prevalence rate was 21~30 years old. The main inhalation allergens were mugwort (68.42%), weeds (58.48%) and ragweed (55.56%). The main dietary allergens were wheat flour (14.33%), peanut (13.74%) and walnut kernel (11.99%). The most common complication was allergic conjunctivitis [82.02% (561/684)]. Conclusion: The epidemiology of AR in Ningxia Area is preliminarily understood, which will provide the epidemiological evidence for the prevention and treatment of AR and the formulation of public health policy.