Objective: To determine the prevalence of allergic rhinitis and its associated factors in students from several Mexican states.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in order to identify the factors that are associated with the prevalence of allergic rhinitis. The "Allergic Rhinitis Diagnostic Questionnaire for Epidemiological Studies" was used, together with another questionnaire, to identify risk factors in allergic rhinitis.
Results: 11381 students of 12-24 years of age were included; the prevalence of allergic rhinitis was of 18 % (CI 95 % = 11.4-24.6), with predominance in females (60%). The factors associated with allergic rhinitis were: heredity, (OR = 2-4, p < 0.0001), respiratory infections, (OR = 2-4.6, p < 0.0001); areas with humidity at home (OR= 1.5 - 1.9, p < 0.0001), and being female (OR = 1.7 - 2.4, p < 0.002). The use of tobacco, the educational level and vehicular traffic, as well as carpeting and the use of scented disinfectants, showed no association.
Conclusions: The factors associated with allergic rhinitis in students were; heredity, respiratory infections, humidity in house walls, and being female.
Objetivo: Determinar la prevalencia de rinitis alérgica y sus factores asociados en estudiantes de varios estados de la República Mexicana. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio transversal para identificar los factores asociados con la prevalencia de rinitis alérgica. Se utilizó el Cuestionario Diagnóstico de Rinitis Alérgica para Estudios Epidemiológicos y un cuestionario para identificar los factores de riesgo en rinitis alérgica. Resultados: Se incluyeron 11381 estudiantes de 12 a 24 años; la prevalencia de rinitis alérgica fue 18 % (IC 95 % = 11.4-24.6), con un predominio del sexo femenino (60 %). Los factores asociados con rinitis alérgica fueron herencia (RM = 2-4, p < 0.0001), infecciones respiratorias (RM = 2-4.6, p < 0.0001), zonas de humedad en casa (RM = 1.5-1.9, p < 0.0001), ser mujer (RM = 1.7-2.4, p < 0.002). El tabaquismo, el nivel educativo, el tráfico vehicular, la alfombra y el uso de desinfectantes aromatizados no mostraron asociación. Conclusiones: Los factores asociados con rinitis alérgica en estudiantes fueron la herencia, las infecciones respiratorias, la humedad en paredes de la casa y el sexo femenino.
Keywords: Allergic rhinitis; Prevalence; Questionnaires; Risk factors.