Objective:

To determine the prevalence of allergic rhinitis and its associated factors in students from several Mexican states.

Methods:

A cross-sectional study was conducted in order to identify the factors that are associated with the prevalence of allergic rhinitis. The "Allergic Rhinitis Diagnostic Questionnaire for Epidemiological Studies" was used, together with another questionnaire, to identify risk factors in allergic rhinitis.

Results:

11381 students of 12-24 years of age were included; the prevalence of allergic rhinitis was of 18 % (CI 95 % = 11.4-24.6), with predominance in females (60%). The factors associated with allergic rhinitis were: heredity, (OR = 2-4, p < 0.0001), respiratory infections, (OR = 2-4.6, p < 0.0001); areas with humidity at home (OR= 1.5 - 1.9, p < 0.0001), and being female (OR = 1.7 - 2.4, p < 0.002). The use of tobacco, the educational level and vehicular traffic, as well as carpeting and the use of scented disinfectants, showed no association.

Conclusions:

The factors associated with allergic rhinitis in students were; heredity, respiratory infections, humidity in house walls, and being female.