A survey on the attitude of Yerevan otorhinolaryngologists towards the significance of allergic rhinitis and its current treatment strategy

Abstract

The goal: to assess the attitude of otorhinolaryngologists towards the allergic rhinitis. The objectives: to assess the attitude of otorhinolaryngologists towards the prevalence of allergic rhinitis in Armenia, it’s impact on the health and on the quality of life of the patient, it’s complications and possible preventive methods; to assess the current treatment strategies including the collaboration with allergists and the follow-up; and to find out the possible barriers to get proper treatment. Design: qualitative study, in-depth interviews. Setting: the otorhinolaryngological departments of four hospitals and four district policlinics in Yereven. Participants: 21 otorhinolaryngologists. Results: The participants were concerned about the increasing prevalence of allergic rhinitis in Armenia. However, there was a misunderstanding in distinguishing between allergic and non-allergic rhinitis affecting the quality of the treatment. The majority considered allergic rhinitis not a severe disease. There was no consistency in the treatment strategies and none knew about any guideline. The major concern for the treatment was the financial affordability of patients. Lack of finance was considered the main potential barrier for the first visits, and patient’s awareness and the education level were defined as the key factors for the follow-up visits to the physician. Conclusion: Financial affordability of patients restricted the practical abilities of otorhinolaryngologists in treatment of allergic rhinitis and impacted on the quality of the treatment. The unavailability of recent literature and internet resources for the majority of specialists resulted in a lack of appropriate knowledge and attitude toward the allergic rhinitis. Nonetheless, adopting the existing WHO guidelines for low income countries could help to improve the quality of care of allergic rhinitis and to encourage continuing education among the specialists.