Risk factors and intervention strategies for the elementary and middle school students with allergic rhinitis in Changsha

Abstract To analyze the risk factors for allergic rhinitis and provide the scientific basis for disease control and intervention through investigation of the elementary and middle school students with allergic rhinitis in Changsha. From January to April 2012, we randomly enrolled the elementary and middle school students aged at 10-17 years old in Changsha. We explored the risk factors for allergic rhinitis by using stratified and cluster sampling survey, questionnaire investigation, physical examination, skin pricking needling experiment and statistical analysis. A total of 814 students were investigated in cluster sampling survey. The result of the incidence of allergic individual was 26.3% and the prevalence of allergic rhinitis was 17.2%. Analysis of Visual Analog Scale Questionnaire (VAS) showed that allergic rhinitis exerted significant effect on student's character, memory, sleep quality, etc. The prevalence of allergic rhinitis in the elementary and middle school students aged in Changsha is 17%-20%. The incidence and development is related to environment, genetic and living habits, which affects people's character, memory and sleep quality significantly.