Characteristics Of Allergic Rhinitis Among Students of SMA Negeri 1 Pupuan Based on the Score For Allergic Rhinitis (Sfar) Questionnaire

Abstract

Allergic rhinitis is a chronic inflammatory disease of the nasal mucosa that commonly occurs in adolescents and may affect quality of life and academic performance. This study aimed to determine the characteristics of allergic rhinitis among students of SMA Negeri 1 Pupuan using the Score for Allergic Rhinitis (SFAR) questionnaire. This study used a retrospective descriptive design with a cross-sectional approach. Data were obtained from SFAR questionnaires completed during a community health service activity in October 2025. Samples were collected using a total sampling technique, resulting in 404 respondents who met the inclusion criteria. The results showed that most respondents were female (225 students; 55.7%), and the most common age group was 16 years (128 students; 31.7%). Based on SFAR scores, 47 respondents (11.6%) were suspected of having allergic rhinitis. The most common symptom was sneezing, reported by 81 respondents (20.1%), while the combination of sneezing and nasal congestion was found in 41 respondents (10.2%). Itchy and watery eyes were reported by 77 respondents (19.1%). House dust was identified as the most common triggering factor in 231 respondents (57.2%), and most symptoms occurred during the rainy season in 286 respondents (70.8%). Most respondents had never undergone specific allergy testing (97%). This study concludes that the proportion of suspected allergic rhinitis among students of SMA Negeri 1 Pupuan based on SFAR was 11.6%, predominantly affecting adolescent females, with sneezing as the main symptom, house dust as the primary trigger, and symptoms occurring more frequently during the rainy season.