| ORIGINAL ARTICLE |
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| Year : 2020 | Volume
: 34
| Issue : 2 | Page : 112-116 |
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Knowledge assessment among caregivers about various allergic disorders in a hospital-based pediatric outpatient department in North India
Paramita Paul1, Yatish Singh1, Neeraj Gupta1, Poojan Agarwal2, Anil Sachdev1, Dhiren Gupta1
1 Department of Pediatrics, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, New Delhi, India
2 Department of Pathology, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, New Delhi, India
Correspondence Address:
Dr. Neeraj Gupta
Department of Pediatrics, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, Pediatric Reception, Ward 6, Ground Floor, Rajinder Nagar, New Delhi - 110 060
India
 Source of Support: None, Conflict of Interest: None  | Check |
DOI: 10.4103/ijaai.ijaai_30_20
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CONTEXT: Various types of allergic disorders are increasing worldwide. The diagnostic and treatment facilities are limited compared to their vast magnitude. Lack of awareness among caregivers and beneficiaries could be one of the critical factors for inadequate management especially in developing countries.
AIM: This study aims to evaluate the knowledge among caregivers about various allergic disorders in a pediatric setup.
SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Caregivers of children, presenting for their illness at pediatric outpatient department of a tertiary care hospital of North India, were recruited over 6 months' period using a 22-item prevalidated questionnaire.
STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Sigma Plot Software version 12.
RESULTS: Among the 1000 participants, majority (94%) had some knowledge about allergy. Doctors were major source (55%) of information. More than half (53%) believed it to be contagious. House dust (70%) and food additives (24%) were considered major allergens. Seasonal variations (54%) and environmental pollution (48%) were considered the most common aggravating factors while steam inhalation (14%), yoga (11%), and air purifiers (10%) helped in symptom reduction. Skin and respiratory symptoms were a common knowledge amongst many study participants. Only 8% were aware about skin tests for allergy diagnosis. Alternative medicine was the treatment of choice among two-third of people. Oral route was preferred over inhaled medicines.
CONCLUSION: The current study highlights limited knowledge and existence of misconceptions regarding allergic disorders in general population necessitating the need to improvise awareness campaigns.
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