Analysis of risk factors for allergic rhinitis in children of different age groups living in five regions of the Central Federal District of the Russian Federation

Introduction. Allergic rhinitis (AR) in childhood is one of the most common conditions encountered by pediatricians in daily practice. The disease develops under the influence of multiple factors, including heredity, exposure to indoor and outdoor allergens, individual characteristics of early childhood, and comorbid conditions. Currently, available information on the prevalence and risk factors of AR across different age groups remains fragmented. This informational gap contributes to a low level of clinical vigilance among physicians regarding AR manifestation in children, resulting in a growing number of patients with delayed diagnosis, as well as a decline in the quality of life of patients and their families, leading to significant socioeconomic consequences.

Aim of the study was analyze the prevalence and incidence of allergic rhinitis, identify known risk factors for its development, and assess the likelihood of their implementation in children of different age groups across five regions of the Central Federal District of the Russian Federation.

Material and methods. A retrospective study was conducted for the period 2017–2021, including the assessment of epidemiological indicators and analysis of risk factors. Calculations included the assessment of attributable and relative risks, population attributable risk proportion, population attributable risk, attributable fraction, and odds ratio.

Results. Over the study period, there was a consistent annual increase in the proportion of newly diagnosed cases of AR (from 0.171% to 0.274%) and in overall prevalence (from 1.472% to 2.684%). The population-based investigation identified 28 risk factors associated with the development of allergic rhinitis in children across different age groups.

Conclusion. Allergic rhinitis is a widespread condition among children in the Central Federal District, exerting a substantial impact on their quality of life. The population study revealed multiple risk factors and established their contribution to the manifestation of AR in children aged 0–17 years. Grouping these factors according to their modifiability may enable the redesign of preventive and therapeutic interventions aimed at reducing the prevalence of AR, which in turn serves as a predictor for the subsequent development of bronchial asthma.

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