Lifetime allergic rhinitis prevalence among US primary farm operators: findings from the 2011 Farm and Ranch Safety survey

Allergic rhinitis is associated with decreased quality of life, and reduced workplace performance and productivity. This study investigated the prevalence of lifetime allergic rhinitis and factors associated with allergic rhinitis among US primary farm operators. The 2011 Farm and Ranch Safety Survey data collected from 11,210 active farm operators were analyzed. Survey respondents were determined to have lifetime allergic rhinitis based on a "yes" response to the question: "Have you ever been told by a doctor, nurse, or other health professional that you had hay fever, seasonal allergies, or allergic rhinitis?" Data were weighted to produce nationally representative estimates. An estimated 30.8% of the 2.1 million active farm operators had lifetime allergic rhinitis in 2011. The allergic rhinitis prevalence varied by demographic and farm characteristics. Farm operators with allergic rhinitis were 1.38 (95% CI 1.22-1.56) times more likely to be exposed to pesticides compared with operators with no allergic rhinitis. The association with pesticide exposure for allergic rhinitis and current asthma, and allergic rhinitis alone was statistically significant and greater than that for current asthma alone. Certain groups of farm operators may be at increased risk of allergic rhinitis. Studies should further investigate the association of allergic rhinitis with specific pesticide exposure.