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. 2025 Jun 17:6:1605074.
doi: 10.3389/falgy.2025.1605074. eCollection 2025.

Allergic rhinitis in college students at Dongguan: a cross-sectional survey on disease burden, knowledge, and self-management

Xin Peng  1 , Haiyi Yan  1 , Haixin Feng  1 , Shiqing Huang  1 , Bingsong Zhang  1 , Xueqin Huang  2   3
Affiliations

Allergic rhinitis in college students at Dongguan: a cross-sectional survey on disease burden, knowledge, and self-management

Xin Peng et al. Front Allergy. .

Abstract

This study examined the prevalence, clinical characteristics, disease knowledge, and quality of life impact of allergic rhinitis (AR) among college students in Dongguan, China. Using a customized questionnaire, we surveyed 1,531 participants (response rate: 85.1%) and identified an AR prevalence of 18.68% (95% CI: 16.72-20.63%). The study identified significant gaps in AR management, including underutilization of allergen testing (only 44.21% of AR patients underwent skin prick testing) and limited medication knowledge among 73% of participants. Environmental control measures were often neglected, and health education was inconsistently delivered, with 72.03% of students relying on the internet for AR information. The findings underscore the need for enhanced health education, improved access to diagnostic testing, and patient-centered communication strategies. Digital platforms and peer-led interventions are recommended to address these gaps and improve AR self-management.

Keywords: allergic rhinitis; environmental control; health education; life quality; prevalence.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Disease attacking type divided by temporal pattern.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Types of allergens in college students.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Understanding the correct use of drugs to treat AR.
Figure 4
Figure 4
Understanding the frequency of drug use to treat AR.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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