Prevalence of allergies among university students in Ajman, UAE

Urbanization and globalization in UAE has resulted into drastic environmental changes and increase in the allergens present in the environment and the prevalence of allergies. Hence, this study aimed to assess the prevalence of allergies among undergraduate students of Gulf Medical University. This cross-sectional survey was carried out among undergraduate students of Gulf Medical University. A self administered questionnaire was used as research instrument for data collection. The demographic data and the allergy characteristics were collected and analyzed using SPSS version 19. descriptive and inferential statistics were performed. A total of 255 students [33.3% males and 66.7% females] were included. The commonest allergies among the students were allergic conjunctivitis [104 [40.8%]], allergic dermatitis [89[34.9%]], dust allergies [58 [22%]] and eczema in [38 [14.9%]]. A positive family history of allergies was reported by 62 [24.3%] for allergic dermatitis and 33 [12.9%] for allergic conjunctivitis. Allergies associated with pollen, food and drugs were less frequent allergy. Students with allergies reported interference with their daily activities, and academic, social and extra-curricular activities. Overall higher proportion of students had allergies especially among the African and Pakistani students. Adequate preventive strategies should be initiated to crumb this rising prevalence of allergies

Nasobronchial allergies among university students in Ajman, UAE

Objective: The prevalence of wheezing and allergies among the population in Arab countries are on a rise due to urbanization that resulted in substantial environmental changes. The prevalence of respiratory symptoms is about 14% among school children but data on adolescent groups in the Gulf region are lacking. Hence, this study aimed to assess the prevalence of wheezing and bronchial asthma among undergraduate students of Gulf Medical University

Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among undergraduate students of Gulf Medical University using a self-administered questionnaire for data collection. The demographic data, the wheezing and bronchial asthma characteristics and family history were collected and analyzed using SPSS version 19

Results: Of the total of 255 students that were included, 120 [47%] had allergic rhinitis and 31 [12.2%] bronchial asthma. A total of 71 [27.8%] had symptoms of wheezing (females were 66% and males 34%; African [24%] and Pakistani [22.5%] nationals). Of the 71 students, 41 [57.7%] students experienced 1-3 episodes during the previous year, 13 [18.3%] and had episodes limiting their speech. Exercise-induced wheezing was experienced by 62 [24.3%] participants. The wheezing episodes were most frequent in January and March. A positive family history of wheezing was reported by 29[40.8%] of the students. 40.8% students reported that wheezing interfered with their daily and extra-curricular activities. Bronchial asthma and allergic rhinitis had a positive association with family history [p<0.05]. Allergic rhinitis was frequent among Pakistani, African and Emirati nationals. Symptoms of asthma and allergic rhinitis had significantly affected the quality of life of the students

Conclusion: Strong family history was also noted for allergic rhinitis and bronchial asthma. Asthma was associated with a high rate of allergic rhinitis symptoms. The prevalence of asthma in this study is within the reported prevalence ranges from UAE and many other parts of the world

Nasobronchial allergies among university students in Ajman, United Arab Emirates

The prevalence of wheezing and allergies among the population in Arab countries are on a rise due to urbanization that resulted in substantial environmental changes. The prevalence of respiratory symptoms is about 14% among school children but data on adolescent groups in the Gulf region are lacking. Hence, this study aimed to assess the prevalence of wheezing and bronchial asthma among undergraduate students of Gulf Medical University. A cross-sectional study was conducted among undergraduate students of Gulf Medical University using a self-administered questionnaire for data collection. The demographic data, the wheezing and bronchial asthma characteristics and family history were collected and analyzed using SPSS version 19. Of the total of 255 students that were included, 120 [47%] had allergic rhinitis and 31 [12.2%] bronchial asthma. A total of 71 [27.8%] had symptoms of wheezing [females were 66% and males 34%; African [24%] and Pakistani [22.5%] nationals]. Of the 71 students, 41 [57.7%] students experienced 1-3 episodes during the previous year, 13 [18.3%] and had episodes limiting their speech. Exercise-induced wheezing was experienced by 62 [24.3%] participants. The wheezing episodes were most frequent in January and March. A positive family history of wheezing was reported by 29[40.8%] of the students. 40.8% students reported that wheezing interfered with their daily and extra-curricular activities. Bronchial asthma and allergic rhinitis had a positive association with family history [p<0.05]. Allergic rhinitis was frequent among Pakistani, African and Emirati nationals. Symptoms of asthma and allergic rhinitis had significantly affected the quality of life of the students. Strong family history was also noted for allergic rhinitis and bronchial asthma. Asthma was associated with a high rate of allergic rhinitis symptoms. The prevalence of asthma in this study is within the reported prevalence ranges from UAE and many other parts of the world