Attitudes, practices on allergic rhinitis of three socioeconomic classes of Filipinos in the National Capital Region

BACKGROUND: Healthcare access and usage may vary according to socioeconomic class (SEC). Knowing this variable's effect on patient attitudes, practices, and health seeking behavior allows better understanding of compliance, adherence to treatment, and educational needs on allergic rhinitis (AR). OBJECTIVE: This study seeks to assess the attitudes and practices on AR of Filipinos in the National Capital Region. METHODS: A cross sectional survey of 301 Filipinos, stratified into socioeconomic groups ABC1, C2, and DE, was conducted from December 2014 to February 2015. A previously validated and pilot tested questionnaire on AR was administered via structured face to face interviews. RESULTS: Most respondents attributed their symptoms to "colds" (ABC1 77%, C2 79%, DE 78%); most did not consult a physician for their symptoms. Only 26% of all respondents were aware of AR. Only the ABC1 group had respondents who specifically used the term AR. Most respondents' symptoms fulfilled criteria for moderate to severe disease. Sleep was the activity most affected by AR (62%). For symptom relief, over the counter antihistamine-decongestants were the most preferred drug preparations (ABC1 30%, C2 38%, DE 34%). Groups ABC1 and C2 cited family, television, and Internet as the top primary sources of health information; DE cited family, television, and friends. CONCLUSION: Regardless of SEC, Filipinos are not aware of AR. Lack of awareness and gaps in knowledge can result to an underestimation of the condition, decrease in health seeking behavior, unmet patient needs, and undertreatment of disease.