Differences in leisure activities between children with allergic rhinitis and healthy peers

Objective: The symptoms of allergic rhinitis (AR) are frequently evoked when individuals with AR perform daily activities. Thus, AR may interfere the optimal participation in daily life, negatively impact the patient's productivity and quality of life (QOL). While most studies refer to adult with AR, this pilot study examined participation of children with AR as expressed in their daily activity preferences. Methods: Participants were 31 children with AR and 31 healthy children, aged 5-11 years. All children completed the Preference for Activities of Children (PAC). Results: Children with AR showed significantly lower preference to participate in skill-based, social and informal activities, as compared to their healthy peers (F_(7,53)=2.61, p=0.02, ES-η²=0.27). Children with AR showed 5-20% lower preference to participate in activity than their typical peers. Conclusions: AR may negatively impact children's preference to participate in daily activities. Treatment of children with AR should consider a multi-disciplinary intervention for encouraging their optimal development, improve their well-being and QOL.