Prevalence of allergic diseases and associated risk factors in audiologists

Aims: To determine the prevalence of allergic diseases among actively working audiologists in Turkiye and to evaluate the association between allergic diseases and smoking, family history of atopy, and occupational factors.Methods: This cross-sectional study included 220 actively working audiologists across Turkiye. Data on demographic characteristics, smoking status, family history of atopy, and physician-diagnosed allergic diseases (asthma, allergic rhinitis, allergic conjunctivitis, atopic dermatitis, and food allergy) were collected. Respiratory and allergic symptoms were assessed using the core questionnaire of the European Community Respiratory Health Survey (ECRHS). The presence of at least one physician-diagnosed allergic disease was defined as the primary outcome. Factors associated with allergic disease were analyzed using univariable and multivariable logistic regression models. Results: The mean age of participants was 31.2±6.4 years, and 68.2% were female. Among all participants, 27.3% were current smokers and 41.8% reported a family history of atopy. At least one physician-diagnosed allergic disease was present in 35.9% of audiologists. The most common conditions were allergic conjunctivitis (24.5%), allergic rhinitis (21.8%), and atopic dermatitis (18.6%). Wheezing during the past 12 months was reported by 31.8% of participants, nocturnal respiratory symptoms by 29.5%, and current asthma medication use by 16.8%. In multivariable analysis, smoking (adjusted OR=1.77; 95% CI: 1.04–3.01; p=0.034) and family history of atopy (adjusted OR=1.75; 95% CI: 1.03–2.98; p=0.038) were independently associated with the presence of allergic disease. Conclusion: Allergic diseases and respiratory allergic symptoms are common among actively working audiologists in Türkiye. Smoking and family history of atopy are independent risk factors for allergic disease. These findings highlight the need for early recognition of allergic conditions, smoking cessation, and preventive strategies to reduce occupational exposures in this professional group.