Allergic Rhinitis (AR) is a worldwide spread illness and has an important impact on social life, sleep quality, school and work productivity and huge direct and indirect costs. Patient preference is becoming an important aspect in medical care.
ISMAR was designed as the first-over global survey to identify differences in attitudes and preference in patients and physicians about AR. This study shows the patient´s view.
Methods:
ISMAR is an international, multicenter, non-interventional and cross-sectional study conducted in adults and children (≥ 6 years) with physician diagnosis- AR of at least one year of duration. Physicians recruited consecutive patients to whom the ISMAR questionnaire was administered.
The study data collection was performed during a single visit. Other 2 additional documents (the investigator’s questionnaire and Case Record Form) were also filled in.
Results:
A total of 2776 patients from 11 countries were evaluated. Patient’s demographics were the following: mean age 31 yrs, gender (F) 54%; urban residence (86.1%), suburban (6.6%) and rural (4.9%). The main co-morbidities were: sinusitis (50%), asthma (33%), conjunctivitis (36%), otitis (13%) and nasal polyps (11%). Nasal symptoms were associated to house-dust mites (84%), moulds (33%) animal dander (31%) and pollens (41%) exposure.
At least one current treatment was received in 91%, and recommendation to avoid allergens or irritants in 93% of patients. 80% the patients had received oral anti-H1 antihistamines (OH1A), 66% intranasal corticosteroids (INC), 63% oral/intranasal decongestants and 14% sub-cutaneous specific immunotherapy (SCIT). The patients´ preference was the following: oral route of administration, 51%; and intranasal route 28%. The patients´ preference mediations were: OH1A, 76%; INC, 49%; and SCIT 12%. Main factors affecting treatment compliances were cost (32%), fear of Adverse Events reported (18%) and frequency of doses (34%).
Taking into account patients´ education, 85% of them received oral explanation on disease and only 51% written indications.
Conclusions:
OH1A and INC were the most widely used treatments for rhinitis and were considered safe and effective. The majority of patients preferred the oral route. Written educational material given to patients is scarce. These might be taken into account to enhance treatment adherence and outcomes.