Examining the Connection Between Allergies and ENT Disorders in Public Health Programs in Mirpur, AJK

Amna Ahmed Noor¹, Farooq Ahmed Noor², Ejaz Ahmed³, Faisal Bashir³, Ahmed Munir Qureshi² and Alyia Imtiaz⁴

ABSTRACT

Objective: This study aims to examine the connection between allergies and ENT disorders in the context of public health programs in Mirpur, AJK

Study Design: cross-sectional study

Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted at the Department of   Community   Medicine  & ENT of  DHQ Hospital & Medical College,  Mirpur AJK from 10^th  April  2023  To 10^th January  2024.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was systematically conducted involving 300 participants from various public health programs in Mirpur, AJK. Allergy testing was performed thoroughly on participants, and ENT disorders were assessed thoroughly through clinical examinations and patient histories. Public health data was analyzed extensively to identify the prevalence of allergies and related ENT conditions. Statistical methods, including chi-square tests and logistic regression, were applied rigorously to determine the association between allergies and specific ENT disorders.

Results: Among the 300 participants, 62% (n=186) were found to test positively for common allergens, with allergic rhinitis being identified clearly as the most frequently occurring ENT disorder (48%). Other conditions, including sinusitis (30%) and otitis media (18%), were also observed significantly. A significant correlation was identified clearly between allergy sensitivity and the prevalence of allergic rhinitis (OR=3.3; 95% CI: 2.1–4.6), with a moderately strong association found with sinusitis (OR=2.1; 95% CI: 1.3–3.1). Gaps were revealed significantly in the accessibility and effectiveness of current public health programs for managing allergy-related ENT disorders.

Conclusion: Allergies were found to play a significantly crucial role in the prevalence of ENT disorders in Mirpur, AJK, indicating the need for targeted public health interventions. Public health programs aimed at strengthening the management of allergic conditions could reduce significantly the burden of ENT disorders and improve health outcomes in the region.

Key Words: Connection, Allergies, ENT Disorders

Citation of article: Noor AA, Noor FA, Ahmed E, Bashir F, Qureshi AM, Imtiaz A. Examining the Connection Between Allergies and ENT Disorders in Public Health Programs in Mirpur, AJK. Med Forum 2024;35(11):  190-193. doi:10.60110/medforum.351141.