Quality of Life and Work Productivity Impairment of Patients with Allergic Occupational Rhinitis

BACKGROUND: Several studies demonstrated the negative impact of allergic rhinitis on Quality of Life (QOL) and occupational activities. Similar studies on allergic Occupational Rhinitis (OR) are rare. The aim of this study was to evaluate the QOL and work productivity of patients diagnosed with allergic occupational rhinitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study from January 2005 to December 2015 at the Department of Occupational Medicine in Farhat Hached Teaching Hospital-Tunisia including patients diagnosed with allergic OR. QOL was assessed by the Mini-RQLQ (Rhinitis quality of life questionnaire) and Work impairment was measured by WPAI (Work Productivity and Activity Impairment) questionnaire. RESULTS: a total of 414 patients was enrolled in the study with a mean age of 37.82±8.08 years and a sex ratio = 0.33. Textile and clothing industry was the most represented sector (65.7%). The mean percent work time missed (absenteeism) due to allergic OR was 9.98±20.86% with a median of 0% and the mean presenteeism score was 46.7±32.67%. Overall QOL was 2.71±1.31. The most affected domains were practical problems and activity limitations. Absenteeism was positively correlated with age and eye symptoms scores. Both presenteeism and percent overall activity impairment were positively correlated with severe nasal obstruction and activity limitations score. CONCLUSION: Allergic OR impairs QOL and work productivity. Although it doesn’t seem to be associated with an important absenteeism, work productivity is reduced by an important rate of presenteeism. QOL and work productivity seem to interact significantly.