Allergic Rhinitis among the Inhabitants of Santasi-Apire in the Ashanti Region, Ghana

Cecilia Opoku Agyemang; Oscar Agyemang Opoku

doi:10.56741/jphs.v4i01.776

Authors

Cecilia Opoku Agyemang Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital
Oscar Agyemang Opoku
oscarthesis@gmail.com
University of Cape Coast

Keywords:

Allergic rhinitis, Inhabitants, Knowledge, Prevention, Santasi-Apire

Abstract

Allergic rhinitis often co-occurs with common illnesses, such as rhinosinusitis, asthma, and otitis media with effusion, which significantly contributes to the severity of these conditions and negatively impacts the individuals’ quality of life. Additionally, the pathogenesis of most upper and lower respiratory illnesses is affected by the presence of allergic rhinitis, according to the World Allergy Organization (WAO). The study aimed to assess the knowledge, prevention, and management of Allergic Rhinitis among inhabitants of Santasi-Apire in the Ashanti Region, Ghana. The study was a descriptive cross-sectional study with a quantitative technique. The target population was inhabitants aged 15 years and above. A sample size of 100 was selected for the study using a stratified sampling method. Ethical clearance was sought from Kumasi Metropolitan and the health directorate Committee for data collection using both open and closed types of questionnaires which were structured according to the objectives of the study. Data collected were collated, compiled, and analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Science Software (SPSS) version 20.0 and results were presented in the form of tables and charts according to their frequencies and percentages. The study discloses that most Allergic Rhinitis cases are triggered by dust, of which rhinorrhea the most is evidenced as the sign and symptom. Inhabitants of the Santasi-Apire community know that allergic rhinitis is a life-threatening condition. However, sprinkling water, avoidance of dusty areas, smoking, and triggers of allergic rhinitis are the preventive measures used by Santasi-Apire inhabitants.

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Author Biographies

Cecilia Opoku Agyemang, Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital

is a multifaceted academic and researcher, currently pursuing her PhD. As a lecturer at the University of Cape Coast (UCC), affiliate lecturer at the ENT School, and adjunct lecturer at Christian Service University College, Cecilia has established herself as an expert in her field. Her research interests converge on public health and nursing, with a specific focus on ear, nose, and throat (ENT) structures. Cecilia's unique blend of quantitative and qualitative research skills enables her to tackle complex health issues from multiple angles. (email: cecilia@entnursingsch.edu.gh).

Oscar Agyemang Opoku, University of Cape Coast

is a young researcher and industry player. As a Geography Scholar and a Development Planning Officer, Dr. Opoku has equipped himself with skills in both qualitative and quantitative methodologies by fusing descriptive analysis, explanatory analysis, interview and questionnaire data, thematic & content analysis, regression, and Structural Equation Modelling. His robust skills in mixed methods permit him to confront complex public health issues and developmental challenges from different perspectives. His research interests cover Health Geography, Economic Geography, Development Planning, climate change, Disaster Risk Reduction Planning, Project Management, and Business Management. He is a reviewer of many peer-reviewed and Scopus-indexed journals worldwide. (email: Oscar.opoku@stu.ucc.edu.gh).

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