| dc.description.abstract | Background. Allergic rhinitis is a chronic inflammation of the nasal mucosa caused by a hypersensitivity reaction to allergens, influenced by various factors such as age, sex, smoking habits, body mass index (BMI), history of asthma, and family history, and its prevalence continues to increase over time. Objective. This study aims to determine the association between patient characteristics and the occurrence of allergic rhinitis as well as the Visual Analogue Scale scores based on Skin Prick Test (SPT) results at Prof. Dr. Chairuddin P. Lubis Universitas Sumatera Utara Hospital, Universitas Sumatera Utara, Medan, 20155, INDONESIA. Methods. This research employed an analytical descriptive method with a cross-sectional design involving 108 patients who underwent SPT at the ENT Clinic using a total sampling technique. Data were analyzed using Fisher’s Exact test to assess the relationships between variables. Results and Discussion. The findings showed significant associations between age (p = 0.035), family history (p < 0.001), and smoking habits (p = 0.049) with the occurrence of allergic rhinitis, and a significant association between family history (p = 0.033) and Visual Analogue Scale scores. The highest proportion of allergic rhinitis was found among adults, individuals with a family history of allergies, and smokers. Conclusion. These results indicate that genetic factors, environmental exposure, and lifestyle habits play important roles in the development of allergic rhinitis. The researchers suggest that health education should be focused on high-risk groups, particularly adults with a family history of allergies and active smokers, to reduce allergen exposure and help lower the incidence of allergic rhinitis in the community. | en_US |
