Knowledge Gaps Regarding Allergic Rhinitis among the Patients Visiting Community Pharmacies of Lahore, Pakistan
Sara Shahid
Department of Pharmacy Practice, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Lahore University of Biological & Applied Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan.
Ahmad Hasnat
Department of Pharmacy Practice, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Lahore University of Biological & Applied Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan.
Fatima Arif
Department of Pharmacy Practice, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Lahore University of Biological & Applied Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan.
Tameen Amin
Department of Pharmacy Practice, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Lahore University of Biological & Applied Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan.
Marium Qaiser
Department of Pharmacy Practice, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Lahore University of Biological & Applied Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan.
Urooj Khalid
Department of Pharmacy Practice, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Lahore University of Biological & Applied Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan.
Urwah Yousaf
Department of Pharmacy Practice, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Lahore University of Biological & Applied Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan.
Ayehsa Yousaf
Department of Pharmacy Practice, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Lahore University of Biological & Applied Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan.
Ehtisham Ahmad
Department of Pharmacy Practice, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Lahore University of Biological & Applied Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan.
Ali Umer
Department of Pharmacy Practice, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Lahore University of Biological & Applied Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan.
Wasiq Ali
Department of Pharmacy Practice, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Lahore University of Biological & Applied Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan.
Muhammad Zahid Iqbal *
Department of Pharmacy Practice, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Lahore University of Biological & Applied Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Introduction: Allergic rhinitis is a varied disorder characterized by symptoms such as sneezing, nasal blockage, nasal itching, and a runny nose. This study assessed the knowledge of patients about Allergic rhinitis and to identify knowledge gaps in patient’s understanding along with the factors that may impact knowledge regarding the disease.
Methods: A cross-sectional observational study design was implemented to collect data from patients visiting community pharmacies of Lahore on a structured questionnaire (self-developed) containing 12 items related to knowledge. The questionnaire was distributed to physician diagnosed Allergic rhinitis patients. The questionnaire with closed-ended questions was completed by 240 participants of both genders as sampled through random sampling procedure. The study spanned over a period of eight months.
Results: Among 240 respondents, 81.3% were students and majority were female (58.3%). It revealed that only 33.3% of respondents demonstrated adequate knowledge about Allergic rhinitis, while 66.7% demonstrated inadequate knowledge. Among demographic variables, female respondents presented better knowledge compared to the male population. Moreover, education status was positively associated with knowledge of respondents. Low education status of study subjects was observed to be the reason for knowledge gap among respondents. The p-values<0.05 were considered statistically significant.
Conclusion: This study highlights a significant gap in respondent’s knowledge, emphasizing the need for targeted education and intervention. Low literacy rate was the major factor negatively associated with respondents’ knowledge of Allergic rhinitis. Improved knowledge is crucial to promoting good practices and achieving desired outcomes. Educational interventions and seminars should be conducted at public health sectors to enhance awareness in the general population.
Keywords: Allergic rhinitis, knowledge, treatment, prevention, educational intervention