Allergic rhinitis (AR) is an extremely common disease. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and severity of AR symptoms and potential associated factors, in Parakou, a city in Benin.

A cross-sectional study was conducted between April and July 2016, involving inhabitants of the city aged between 6 and 65 years. Cluster sampling was carried out. AR symptoms were defined as the simultaneous presence of rhinorrhea, nasal obstruction and sneezing without evidence of respiratory infection. Data were analyzed on EpiData Analysis v2.2.2.183 and then on R.3.2.1.

Three hundred and ninety-five inhabitants were questioned, with a male/female ratio of 1.32, and median age of 19 years. One hundred and forty-one (35.7%) had AR symptoms, 47 (33.3%) had family history of atopy, and 87 (61.7%) had allergic conjunctivitis. The main triggers were house dust (139; 98.5%) and air pollution (111; 78.7%). On multivariate analysis, associated factors were age<18 years (P<0.05), exposure to house dust (P<0.001), and personal history of urticaria (P<0.001) or allergic conjunctivitis (P<0.01). Twenty-eight subjects (19.9%) had persistent symptoms. Forty-three (30.5%) had moderate/severe symptoms, associated with age≥18 years (P<0.01), family history of atopy (P<0.01), personal history of atopic eczema/dermatitis (P<0.01), and presence of a dog or cat at home (P=0.01).

The prevalence of AR symptoms in Parakou was high. A non-negligible proportion of symptoms were severe. This disease merits special attention in the city.