A Study to Assess Knowledge Regarding Prevention of Allergic Rhinitis among Adult Patients Attending General OPD in Selected Hospitals

Background Rhinitis is group of disorders characterized by inflammation and irritation of mucosa of the nose. Epidemiologic studies suggest that the prevalence of allergic rhinitis (AR) is increasing worldwide. Every year four hundred millions of people suffer from rhinitis. The cause of this increase is unknown, although some contributing factors include high concentrations of airborne allergens and pollution, less ventilation indoors, dietary factors, smoking. Objectives 1. Assess the knowledge regarding prevention of allergic rhinitis among adult patients attending general OPD.2. Associate the knowledge regarding prevention of allergic rhinitis among patients attending general OPD with selected demographic variables. Material and Methods The study was conducted in selected hospitals. The research design was descriptive research design and sampling technique used was non probability convenience sampling technique in this study. Three hundred adult patients attending general OPD were selected for the study. Structured knowledge questionnaire was used to collect the data. Result It shows that 55 % had poor level of knowledge, 26.66 %were having average level of knowledge and 9 % were having good level of knowledge and 9.33 % were having very good level of knowledge. Conclusion The study represents that major adult patients attending general OPD had poor knowledge regarding prevention of allergic rhinitis. Hence there is a need of health education for the awareness regarding allergic rhinitis among general population.