Prevalence of Allergies among University Students: A Study from Ajman, United Arab Emirates.
Aim. Urbanization and globalization in the Middle East have resulted in drastic environmental changes and increased allergens present in the environment. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of allergies among undergraduate students from a university. Material and Methods. This cross-sectional survey was carried out among undergraduate students of a University at Ajman, UAE. A self-administered questionnaire was used as research instrument for data collection. The demographic data and the allergy characteristics were collected and analyzed using SPSS version 19. Descriptive and inferential statistics were performed. Results. A total of 255 students (33.3% males; 66.7% females) were included. Commonest allergies among the students were allergic conjunctivitis (104 (40.8%)), allergic dermatitis (89 (34.9%)), and eczema (38 (14.9%)). Family history of allergies was strongly associated with occurrence of allergic conjunctivitis and allergic dermatitis. In about 58 (22%) of the students, dust was the most common triggering factor for allergies. Allergies associated with pollen, food, and drugs were less frequent. The distribution of allergies based on gender revealed female preponderance in all types of allergies. Students with allergies reported interference with their daily activities, and academic, social, and extracurricular activities. Conclusions. Allergic conjunctivitis and allergic dermatitis were the frequent allergies reported. Adequate preventive strategies can crumb the prevalence of allergies.
Department of Pharmacology, Gulf Medical University, Ajman 4184, UAE.
Lisha Jenny
0000-0001-6329-4737
LJ
John
College of Medicine, Gulf Medical University, Ajman 4184, UAE.
Sharfaa
S
Ahmed
College of Medicine, Gulf Medical University, Ajman 4184, UAE.
Fiza
F
Anjum
College of Medicine, Gulf Medical University, Ajman 4184, UAE.
Mohieddin
0000-0001-5576-935X
M
Kebab
College of Medicine, Gulf Medical University, Ajman 4184, UAE.
Naik
N
Mohammed
College of Medicine, Gulf Medical University, Ajman 4184, UAE.
Haitham
H
Darwich
College of Medicine, Gulf Medical University, Ajman 4184, UAE.
Nusaibah
N
Ibraheem
Department of Pharmacology, Gulf Medical University, Ajman 4184, UAE.
Mohamed
M
Arifulla
Statistical Support Facility, CABRI, Gulf Medical University, Ajman 4184, UAE.
Jayadevan
0000-0001-5350-2408
J
Sreedharan