Background: Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is one of the most common inflammatory diseases with multiple etiologies. Despite its high prevalence, risk factors influencing its prevalence have not been thoroughly revealed. Therefore, we investigated the prevalence and risk factors of CRS in Korea.
Methods: The 4098 subjects that participated in the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey were included in the study. Risk factors were categorized into sociodemographic and personal medical factors. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify significant risk factors of CRS. In addition, population attributable risks of the significant factors were calculated to estimate the effect on the population level.
Results: The prevalence of CRS in Korea was 6.95%. Among sociodemographic factors, male sex, old age, and heavy stress were significantly related with CRS. Influenza vaccination, septal deviation, and persistent allergic rhinitis were significant personal medical risk factors of CRS. Among these risk factors, persistent/moderate to severe allergic rhinitis was proven to be the most significant risk factor for CRS at the population level.
Conclusion: Although the prevalence and risk factors vary according to time, place, and diagnostic criteria, periodic epidemiological study on CRS is necessary to reduce socioeconomic expenditure and establish an improved national health care policy.