Prevalence of allergic rhinitis among healthcare workers and its impact on their work: a cross-sectional survey at a tertiary healthcare centre in Pakistan

A study was conducted to determine the frequency of allergic rhinitis among healthcare professionals and its impact on their work at the Aga Khan University Hospital Karachi Pakistan. Healthcare workers including doctors, nurses, technicians and pharmacists were included. Participants were asked to fill a questionnaire consisting of score for allergic rhinitis (SFAR), and work productivity and activity impairment questionnaires. Out of 167 workers, 101 were males. Mean age of the participants was 29.0 +/- 5.9 years. Overall prevalence of allergic rhinitis among healthcare workers was found to be frequency (19.2%). We noted that 13 individuals reported to have missed their work in the past week accounting to 43% of their work. When calculated with the actual work hours 35.9% of their work was reported to have been impaired due to this condition.