ADHERENCE TO MANAGEMENT OF ALLERGIC RHINITIS AND REASONS FOR NON ADHERENCE AMONGST YOUNG EDUCATED INDIVIDUALS LIVING IN LAHORE

Abstract
Background: Allergic rhinitis(AR) is a highly prevalent disease that has a profound effect on the
functionality of the sufferer and can severely affect quality of life. It has far reaching consequences on health
resources and the economy in general. Effective management is key to lessening the toll of the disease on the
individual and the economy in general. In this article we look into adherence to the management protocol in
young, educated individuals in Lahore and reasons for nonadherence.
Objective: To find out the perceived adherence to treatment of AR of the young educated population of
Lahore and identify the reasons for nonadherence.
Methodology: A cross sectional study was conducted in Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan from December 2020 to
January 2021. Questionnaires of the research topic were provided to individuals that met the inclusion
criteria. The questionnaires were distributed both online and manually, with the majority of responses
coming from individuals receiving the questionnaire online. Efforts were made to clarify what allergic
rhinitis was to the possible respondents. One hundred and one questionnaires were filled and 15 were
disregarded as they did not meet the inclusion criteria or were improperly filled. Data from 96 questionnaires
was compiled, statistical data tabulated and finalized. Common trends and patterns were found and written.
Results: Only 23(24.0%) individuals reported to always take the appropriate dose of their AR medication at
the right time. The major reasons for not adhering to appropriate doses at the right time included 58(60.4%)
individuals stating that 'they tend to forget' to take their medication and 21(21.9%) individuals cited side
effects of the medication as a reason for not adhering to their regimen. The majority of patients, 44(45.8%),
reported to only taking medications when having symptoms and stopping when symptoms cease. 29(30.2%)
individuals stated that they always use preventative measures.On asking the reasons for non-adherence (if
present) to these preventative measures/ lifestyle changes advised,23(24.0%) individuals identified job
constraints as the reason for non-adherence whereas 24(25.0%) stated non availability of alternative means
of transportation as the reason for non-adherence.
Conclusions: Adherence to medications and preventative measures in AR in young educated individuals of
Lahore is generally low. Forgetfulness and side effects were the major reasons for non-adherence to
medication. The main reasons for non-adherence to preventative measures were that job constraints and nonavailability
of alternative means of transportation made it difficult to avoid potential allergens.