Determinant Factors Associated with Allergic Rhintis in a Housing Development Community at Bang Khen District, Bangkok, Thailand

Abstract

One-fourth of people worldwide have suffered from Allergic rhinitis (AR). Allergic rhinitis is caused regularly by exposure to allergens from outdoor and indoor environment. This study aimed to identify the AR risk factors related to home environment among people who resided in housing development community in Bang Khen district, Bangkok, Thailand during April 2014. Self-reported questionnaires were distributed to all households in this community.  Twenty persons reported that they had been diagnosed as AR by physician. Based on 200 self-reported questionnaires, our analysis revealed statistical association between 15 risk factors related to home environment and AR. For instance, using perfume/ deodorant spray (OR = 4.43), using cockroach spray (OR = 7.00), growing flower in home environment (OR=1.88) and presenting mold inside house (OR=1.63) were risk factors of AR. Using vacuum and air cleaner (OR=3.12 and 7.76) were protective factors. For personal behavior of people residing in this community, opening windows frequently was a protective risk factor for AR. Moreover, the higher number of windows in the living room was also considered as a protective risk factor (OR=0.26). In addition, respiratory dust in 20 AR cases’ houses and 10 non-allergic rhinitis (Non-AR) cases’ houses were collected. However, the difference of respiratory dust concentration between AR and Non-AR houses was not found in this study (Mann-Whitney U test; p> 0.05).