Knowledge, attitude, and practice toward allergic rhinitis among parents in Ningbo, China

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, attitudes, and practices toward AR. Results This study included 480 questionnaires, and 78.33% were mothers. 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 = 4.33, 95%CI: 1.52–12.34, P = 0.006), living in rural areas in Ningbo (OR = 2.15, 95%CI: 1.00-4.59, P = 0.049), being self-employed (OR = 1.99, 95%CI: 1.00-3.95, P = 0.049), monthly income per capita ≥ 20,000 CNY (OR = 1.89, 95%CI: 1.02–3.47, P = 0.042), child with one biological sibling (OR = 0.48, 95%CI: 0.30–0.78, P = 0.003), and ≥ 6 times hospital visits for AR (OR = 2.32, 95%CI: 1.40–3.86, P = 0.001) were independently associated with adequate knowledge. The 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 a positive attitude. The 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), no previous hospital visit for AR (OR = 0.35, 95%CI: 0.16–0.78, P = 0.003), and ≥ 6 times hospital visits for AR (OR = 0.40, 95%CI: 0.20–0.81, P = 0.011) were independently associated with the practice scores. 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 children with AR.