Attitudes, and practices toward allergic rhinitis: a comparative cross-sectional study of patients and non-patients in China

Background Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a common immunoglobulin E-mediated inflammatory disease of the nasal mucosa, with a globally rising prevalence. Patient knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) significantly influence disease management, yet systematic KAP assessments comparing AR patients and non-AR participants remain limited. Objective This study aimed to evaluate and compare the KAP levels related to AR between patients diagnosed with AR and non-AR individuals, and to identify factors associated with knowledge levels. Methods A cross-sectional web-based survey was conducted among patients attending the otolaryngology department of a tertiary hospital in Chengdu, China, from September to December 2022. A self-designed KAP questionnaire covering demographic characteristics, AR-related knowledge (20 items), attitudes (3 items), and preventive practices was administered. Knowledge scores were categorized into “adequate” (≥ 12) and “inadequate” (< 12). Logistic regression analyses were performed to identify factors associated with knowledge levels. Results Among 933 valid respondents, 462 (49.51%) were diagnosed with AR. AR patients had significantly higher overall knowledge scores than non-AR participants (mean 14.0 vs. 10.6, p < 0.001). Both groups showed knowledge gaps regarding environmental and lifestyle risk factors such as housing renovation, humidity, probiotic consumption, smoking exposure during pregnancy, and delivery mode. In terms of attitudes, AR patients expressed stronger desire for curative drugs, while non-AR participants were more interested in understanding disease etiology. A majority of AR patients (64.72%) lacked confidence in current treatments. AR patients also reported stronger intentions to adopt preventive practices ( p < 0.05). Logistic regression identified AR diagnosis (OR = 3.69, 95% CI: 2.80–4.85) and female gender (OR = 1.54, 95% CI: 1.17–2.04) as significant predictors of adequate knowledge. Conclusion AR patients possess better AR-related knowledge and stronger behavioral intentions than non-AR individuals, yet critical knowledge gaps and low treatment confidence persist. Targeted health education should address specific knowledge deficiencies and integrate psychological support to improve patient trust and self-management.