Knowledge, attitude, and practice toward allergic rhinitis among parents

Abstract

Abstract Background: This study examined the knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) toward allergic rhinitis (AR) among parents. Methods:This cross-sectional study enrolled parents of children with AR at Ningbo Hangzhou Bay Hospital between December 2022 and March 2023. A self-administered questionnaire was developed to collect the demographic characteristics, knowledge, attitude, and practice toward AR. Results:This study included 480 questionnaires and 78.33% were mother. The mean knowledge, attitude, and practice scores were 13.49±6.62 (possible range: 0-24), 33.99±3.40 (possible range: 8-40), and 21.52±3.36 (possible range: 5-26), indicating poor knowledge, positive attitudes, and proactive practice. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed living in urban areas in Ningbo outside Hangzhou Bay New Zone (OR=4.14, 95%CI: 1.43-11.97, P=0.009), living in rural areas in Ningbo (OR=2.21, 95%CI: 1.03-4.73, P=0.042), child with one biological sibling (OR=0.48, 95%CI: 0.29-0.78, P=0.003), and >6 times hospital visits for AR (OR=2.23, 95%CI: 1.34-3.72, P=0.002) were independently associated with adequate knowledge. Knowledge (OR=1.09, 95%CI: 1.05-1.13, P<0.001) and >6 times hospital visits for AR (OR=1.84, 95%CI: 1.06-3.22, P=0.032) were independently associated with positive attitude. Knowledge (OR=1.08, 95%CI: 1.04-1.13, P=0.001), attitude (OR=1.41, 95%CI: 1.28-1.55, P<0.001), monthly income per capita >20,000 CNY (OR=3.59, 95%CI: 1.49-8.65, P=0.004), and no previous hospital visit for AR (OR=0.38, 95%CI: 0.20-0.72, P=0.003) were independently associated with proactive practice. Conclusions: The parents of children with AR had poor knowledge but positive attitudes and proactive practice toward AR. This study has identified a need for specific and reliable information initiatives to be introduced as a means of reducing parental concern and ensuring evidence-based strategies for managing child with AR.