Prevalence and seasonal variations of rhinitis and associated factors in children in Gauteng and North-West province, South Africa

Abstract

BACKGROUND : Rhinitis is one of the most common global respiratory health problems. Despite its high prevalence, it is often undiagnosed and globally not much research in children has been conducted. The aim of the study was to investigate the prevalence, seasonal variations of rhinitis and associated factors in children living close to gold mine dumps in Gauteng and North West province, South Africa using previously collected data. METHODS : In a cross-sectional study of 3641 school children, we determined the prevalence and seasonal variations of rhinitis in communities living 1 to 2 km (exposed) and 5 km or more (unexposed) from five pre-selected mine dumps and assessed the associated risk factors with rhinitis in exposed and unexposed communities using STATA 14. RESULTS : The prevalence of rhinitis was reported to be 74.54% and 77.65% in exposed and unexposed communities respectively. The highest (39%) prevalence of rhinitis was observed in Autumn and the lowest (11%) was observed in Spring. Results from the multiple regression analysis indicated that living in exposed communities, tertiary level, being born in the same town, itchy eyes, increased truck frequency, cigarette smoke exposure in school increases the odds of rhinitis. CONCLUSION : To the best of our knowledge this study is the first of its kind in South Africa to investigate rhinitis and seasonal association. The results obtained in this study concur with those of studies done elsewhere in the world. The study found an alarmingly high prevalence of rhinitis in all communities and the highest prevalence in the Autumn season. More research is needed to better understand the trends of rhinitis thus it is worth investing resources into rhinitis research in South Africa.