Objectives: We investigated the prevalence of allergic
rhinitis in the adult urban population of Denizli.
Study Design: A survey study was conducted to cover
1010 adults above 19 years of age, representing the
urban population of Denizli district, Turkey. The questionnaire
was designed to collect data on sociodemographic
features, symptoms of allergic rhinitis, duration
of symptoms, and any prior diagnosis of allergic rhinitis
made by a physician. Interviews were made with randomly
chosen adults from three socioeconomically different
urban areas.
Results: Interviews were completed for 951 adults
with ages ranging from 19 to 65 years (414 males,
mean age 36.3±12 years; 537 females, mean age
35.2±12 years). The frequency of self-reported allergic
rhinitis was 10.8%, and 5.2% had allergic rhinitis
diagnosed by a physician. Two or more symptoms of
allergic rhinitis were found in 7.2%. The prevalence
of allergic rhinitis was higher in females. There was
no relationship between the frequency of allergic
rhinitis and age.
Conclusion: The prevalence of allergic rhinitis in the
adult urban population of Denizli is between 5% to
10%, with a higher frequency in females.
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Anahtar Kelimeler: Denizli/epidemioloji; prevalans; anket;rinit, alerjik, perennial/epidemioloji.