Journal of Kerman University of Medical Sciences

The Association between Allergic Rhinitis and Schizophrenia in the North of Iran: a large scale, population based cross-sectional study

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Robabeh Soleimani 1
Mir Mohammad Jalali 2
Shahin Baftehchi 3
Mahnaz Fallahi Khesht Masjedi 3

1 Kavosh Cognitive Behavior Sciences and Addiction Research Center, Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran

2 Otorhinolaryngology Research Center, Department of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, School of Medicine, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran

3 Department of Mental Health, Vice-chancellor of health, Guilan University of Medical Science, Rasht, Iran

https://doi.org/10.22062/jkmu.2021.91829
Abstract
Background: The literature indicates a link between schizophrenia and a disturbance in innate and adaptive immunity. However, the results about allergic rhinitis have been inconsistent so far. The aim of this population-based study was to investigate the prevalence and clinical features of allergic rhinitis in patients with schizophrenia.
Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed on 998 patients and 1000 age- and sex-matched control subjects from March 2013 to August 2014. All participants were assessed by the Score for Allergic Rhinitis (SFAR) questionnaire and nasal smear (for eosinophilia) investigation. Symptoms were assessed using the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS). Univariable and multivariable logistic regression models were fitted to estimate adjusted odds ratios.
Results: The mean age of subjects was 45.0 years, and 61.0% of subjects of either group were male. About 26.5% of subjects in the case group and 21.0% in the control group had allergic rhinitis. The patients with schizophrenia were found to be at an increased risk for allergic rhinitis (adjusted OR 1.41, 95% CI 1.08-1.83) compared to control subjects. Furthermore, multivariable logistic regression identified the affect subscale on the BPRS as a risk factor of allergic rhinitis (P=0.004).
Conclusion: Our results suggest that the prevalence of allergic rhinitis is higher in patients with schizophrenia. However, the impact of type and severity of allergic rhinitis on the course of schizophrenia must be investigated in further trials.

Keywords

Allergic rhinitis
Association
Atopic disorder
Prevalence
Schizophrenia
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Journal of Kerman University of Medical Sciences
Volume 28, Issue 6
November and December 2021
Pages 575-581

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