[Quality of life in patients with perennial allergic rhinitis: using the Japanese version of the SF-36 Health Status Questionnaire].
Perennial allergic rhinitis may impair daily activities. However it isn't known how it affects a patient's self-perceived health status. In present study, QOL was measured by MOS Short Form 36 Health Survey (SF-36) for assessment of useful information for individualization of care. 252 patients with perennial allergic rhinitis who visited 14 hospitals and clinics from June to August 1999 were questioned, and 249 patients were engaged in this study as subjects. Each patient's background was investigated, and the factors which influenced HRQOL score were identified. In addition, comparisons with healthy subjects and subjects with seasonal allergic rhinitis were performed. It was shown that age, gender, and the number of comorbid conditions were significant contributions to HRQOL score. It was considered that nasal obstruction had a strong influence on SF-36 score compared to other symptoms of nasal allergy. In general, QOL scores were significantly depressed in the patients with perennial and seasonal allergic rhinitis compared with healthy subjects. The difference of scores between perennial allergic rhinitis were not significant, although the patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis showed low scores compare with perennial allergic rhinitis.
Fukuroku
K
K
School of Allied Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Osaka University.
Ogino
S
S
D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006304:Health Status; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015337:Multicenter Studies as Topic; D011788:Quality of Life; D012221:Rhinitis, Allergic, Perennial / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires / Q000592:standards*