The Relationship Between Chronotype and Allergic Rhinitis Among High School Students in Jagakarsa District, South Jakarta

Objective: Evening chronotype individuals who tend to be more active during night time are increasingly found among late adolescents. Prior studies show that evening chronotype may play a role in allergic rhinitis development, a disease that can decrease productivity and quality of life. This study aims to determine the relationship between chronotype and allergic rhinitis in high school students. Methods: One hundred ninety six high school students were included in this cross-sectional study. All samples answered four different questionnaires: the International Study of Asthma and Allergy in Childhood Phase III core questionnaire, the Reduced Version Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire, the Epworth Sleepiness Scale questionnaire, and the Tobacco use and Smoking section of the Risk Factor for Non-Communicable Diseases 2011 Cohort Study Questionnaire. The data was analyzed using chi-square test and logistic regression. Results: Of the 196 participants, 127 (64.8%) were classified as morning type, while 69 (35.2%) were classified as evening type. As many as 28.1% of students experienced allergic rhinitis in the last 12 months. Evening chronotype was significantly associated with allergic rhinitis (p<0.05; odds ratio=2.273; 95% confidence interval: 1.198–4.311). There was a significant difference in the proportion of allergic rhinitis between high school students with evening chronotype (39.1%) and high school students with morning chronotype (22%). Conclusion: This study shows a significant association between evening chronotype and allergic rhinitis. There was a significant difference in the proportion of allergic rhinitis between high school students with evening chronotype and students with morning chronotype.