Knowledge and awareness of nasal allergy among patients in a developing country

BACKGROUND: Nasal allergy is a common public health disorder seen in clinical practice worldwide. This disorder affected activities such as sleep, education, trading, economy, and social life. This study aimed at determining the level of knowledge and awareness of nasal allergy among patients seen in the otorhinolaryngology clinical practice of a developing country. METHODS AND MATERIALS: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study, which was carried out among patients seen in Ekiti state university teaching hospital, Nigeria. Each patient completed a pretested interviewer assisted questionnaire on socio-demographic features, awareness, and knowledge on nasal allergy. Data obtained were documented, collated, and analyzed by SPSS version 18.0. RESULTS: There were 16.4% patient's awareness and knowledge on nasal allergy, and 10.6% had allergic rhinitis. The patients included 59.2% males and male to female ratio was 1.5:1.Most common sources of information on nasal allergy were from ear, nose, and throat specialist/other doctors in 62.6%. Other sources were friends/relatives and media/Internet in 28.5% and 9.0%, respectively. Knowledge and awareness on if the nasal allergy was common in Nigeria and worldwide among the patients were 26.6% and 24.9%, respectively. However, 56.7% patients were aware that nasal allergy were commonly seen and diagnosed in the hospital.On the basis of knowledge and awareness of etiology of nasal allergy, majority 55.2% believed micro-organisms caused nasal-allergy. Minority 40.4% agreed nasal allergy was caused by parents genetic transmission from parents to offspring.On the awareness and knowledge of nasal allergy and its manifestations, the most common symptoms was 63.4% itching ear, throat, and eyes others were 63.2% catarrh and 56.3% bout of sneezing. There were 64.6% patients awareness of nasal allergy causes impairing concentration. However, 68.2% believed nasal allergy were curable diseases. On the awareness and knowledge, treatment was 52.7% prayer/spiritual intervention, 34.3% herbs, and 57.1% over-the-counter medication. However, 45.4% were aware and knowledgeable on the significance of avoidance of allergens. CONCLUSION: The level of awareness and knowledge on nasal allergy low with high levels of prevalence. Patients awareness and knowledge on etiology, clinical manifestations, effects, and management of nasal allergy is low.