Epidemiology of rhinitis in secondary school children using MSYPQ (Modified Sino-Nasal Outcome Test-20 Young Person questionnaire) and comparison with modified SNOT-20 used in adult community based survey

Epidemiology of Rhinitis in secondary school children using MSYPQ (Modified Sino-Nasal Outcome Test-20 Young Person questionnaire) and comparison with Modified SNOT-20 used in adult community based survey.

*Dr Amtul Salam Sami, *Dr G K Scadding

{* Royal National Throat, Nose and Ear Hospital, London, UK}

Background:

Rhinitis is significantly prevalent in the adult community but this research aimed to explore the prevalence of nasal and paranasal symptoms within the age group of 11-16 years while also assessing, within the same student population, the prevalence of impaired sleep, social and emotional function, time off school and visits to the family doctor.

The Sino-Nasal Outcome Test -20 (SNOT-20) questionnaire, a valid disease related quality of life instrument, was modified for use on secondary school children for this project. The Modified SNOT-20 for Young Person Questionnaire, MSYPQ was used in secondary school children in east London with the result compared to a similar adult survey. Method

The pilot project tested MSYPQ according to EPOS criteria. EPOS positive showed significantly high score on MSYPQ confirming the presence of the disease (Rhinitis/Rhinosinusitis), while EPOS negative had very low to zero score on MSYPQ. This confirmed that MSYPQ can identify subjects with rhinitic symptoms and is a good instrument to assess the effect on quality of life.

The MSYPQ was used in a face-to-face interview and postal survey for children aged between 11-16 years in three large east London schools. The data was collected and analysed for the prevalence of rhinitis, associated symptoms and effects on quality of life.

Results:

The results showed that over 32% of secondary school children suffered rhinitic symptoms (cough was identified as one of the most significant symptoms). A similar prevalence of 30% was found in adults.

More than 21% of secondary school students had their quality of life affected by rhinitis and more than 47% took between 2-15 days off school due to rhinitic symptoms. In adults these values were 25% and 10% respectively. Conclusion:

This analysis confirmed that rhinitis is a common problem in the 11-16 year age group. It affects quality of life and performance at school, as students have to take days off from the school and are frustrated by their symptoms.

This study also confirms that MSYPQ is a good tool for identifying the prevalence of rhinitis symptoms in 11-16 age group and their effect on quality of life.