Sedentary Behavior as a Risk Factor for Nasal Inflammatory Diseases: A Cross-Sectional Study

Area of Science:

• Epidemiology
• Public Health
• Otolaryngology

Background:

• Allergic rhinitis (AR) and chronic sinusitis (CRS) are common inflammatory upper airway diseases with significant public health impact.
• Sedentary behavior (SB) is an emerging risk factor for chronic conditions, but its link to AR and CRS is not well understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between sedentary behavior and the prevalence of allergic rhinitis and chronic sinusitis in Korean adults.
• To identify specific demographic and lifestyle factors that may modify this association.

Main Methods:

• Cross-sectional analysis of data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2017-2018).
• AR and CRS diagnosed via self-report. Sedentary time (ST) categorized as <6, 6-8, and ≥8 hours/day.
• Multivariable logistic regression adjusted for covariates; subgroup analyses performed.

Main Results:

• Prevalence of AR was 15.8% and CRS was 6.5% among 14,748 participants.
• Higher ST (≥8 hours/day) was associated with increased odds of AR (OR=1.161) and CRS (OR=1.282).
• SB association with AR was stronger in younger adults (<40 years), alcohol users, those with high school education, and white-collar workers.

Conclusions:

• Prolonged sedentary time is associated with a higher prevalence of AR and CRS in Korean adults.
• Findings suggest SB may be a relevant public health factor for upper airway inflammatory diseases.
• Further longitudinal studies are needed to establish causality and guide prevention.