DOI: https://doi.org/10.36347/sjmcr.2025.v13i06.024

Pages: 1402-1407

Epidemiological surveys around the world show an increase in allergy disorders. Globalization and urbanization have caused major environmental changes and an increase in allergies in developing countries. Nevertheless, there aren't many studies on Nigerian young adults. This study aimed to ascertain the prevalence, severity, and risk factors of allergic rhinitis among students at the University of Nigeria Enugu Campus using a prospective cross-sectional design. A self-administered structured questionnaire that was adapted from the European Community Respiratory Health Survey served as the research tool for gathering data. To assess the acquired symptoms and demographic information, SPSS version 29.0 was utilised. 200 students between the ages of 18 and 30 participated in the study. There were 110 males and 90 females. The percentage of cases with a doctor's diagnosis was 7.5%, and the prevalence of symptoms of allergic rhinitis during the past 12 months was 37.5% for this patient group. Forty-five percent of people had allergic rhinitis overall. Dust emerged as the most important trigger of symptoms, and environmental factors and family history related to allergies were found to be strongly associated with allergic rhinitis. This study found a significant moderate prevalence of allergic rhinitis in the study population. Mild and intermittent symptoms were more common in cases of allergic rhinitis than severe and chronic symptoms. There was strong evidence that a family history of allergies was associated with allergic rhinitis.