Wang, X; Zheng, M; Lou, H; Wang, C; Zhang, Y; Bo, M; Ge, S; Zhang, N; Zhang, L; Bachert, C
BACKGROUND: The prevalence of allergic rhinitis (AR) has increased worldwide in recent decades. The present study was conducted to investigate the prevalence of self-reported AR and profiles of AR-related comorbidities in the adult population of China over time.
METHODS: This study surveyed residents of 18 major cities in mainland China. Telephone interviews were conducted with study participants after sampling target telephone numbers by random digital dialing. The questions asked during telephone interviews were based on those included in validated questionnaires, and focused on topics regarding allergic rhinitis, non-allergic rhinitis, acute/chronic rhinosinusitis, asthma, and atopic dermatitis.
RESULTS: During 2011, a total of 47,216 telephone interviews were conducted, and the overall response rate was 77.5%. When compared with the AR prevalence in 11 cities surveyed in 2005, there was a significant increase in self-reported adult AR in eight of those cities (P < 0.01). In 2011, the standardized prevalence of self-reported adult AR in the 18 cities was 17.6%. The concentration of SO2 was positively correlated with the prevalence of AR (r = 0.504, P = 0.033). A multiple regression model showed that the absolute change in household yearly income was significantly associated with the change in prevalence of AR (R(2) = 0.68), after adjusting for PM10 , SO2 , NO2, temperature and humidity. The overall prevalences of NAR, ARS, CRS, asthma, and AD in the general population were 16.4%, 5.4%, 2.1%, 5.8%, and 14%, respectively.
CONCLUSION: During a 6-year period, there was a significant increase in the prevalence of self-reported AR in the general Chinese adult population. The incidence of AR being accompanied by rhinosinusitis, asthma or AD was significantly higher among individuals having self-reported AR compared with the general population. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
