Keywords

Allergic Rhinitis; Allergies; Quality of Life; Score for Allergic Rhinitis; Rhinoconjunctivitis Quality of Life Questionnaire

Abstract

This study aims to examine the influence of certain lifestyle factors on the presentation of allergic rhinitis symptoms and the quality of life of college students. Factors of interest include residential setting, household cleaning habits, age of symptom onset, and exposure to household pets. Additional analysis includes assessment of the impact of allergic rhinitis symptoms on sleep. Using a cross-sectional survey design, student responses were self-reported through a paper survey distributed during tabling days at the University of Central Florida (UCF) main campus. Eligible participants had to be 18 years or older and current UCF graduate and undergraduate students. Survey instrument included three sections: demographics questions, the score for allergic rhinitis (SFAR) questionnaire, and the rhinoconjunctivitis quality of life (RQLQ) questionnaire. Collected data was downloaded and analyzed using the statistical package for the social sciences (SPSS) software. One-way ANOVA analysis resulted in no significant difference between the two relationships of interest (nasal RQLQ domain scores and lifestyles factors, total RQLQ scores in AR positive and lifestyle factors). The highest nasal RQLQ domain and total RQLQ scores were observed in participants who reported the highest cleaning frequency (i.e., linen change, frequency of vacuuming) and a symptom onset in the 8-12 age range. This analysis of UCF students highlighted the influence of lifestyle factors on AR symptoms and quality of life. Findings underscore the need for research on the most iv effective preventive measures for environmental allergen exposure reduction and lifestyle factors that impact AR symptom presentation.

Thesis Completion Year

2026

Thesis Completion Semester

Spring

Thesis Chair

Saleh, Suha

College

College of Health Professions and Sciences

Department

Health Sciences

Thesis Discipline

Health Sciences

Language

English

Access Status

Open Access

Length of Campus Access

None

Campus Location

Orlando (Main) Campus

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Rights Statement

In Copyright