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Scientific Oral Presentations

Rhinology/Allergy

Session: Scientific Oral Presentations 3 - Rhinology/Allergy

Public Knowledge of Treatments for Chronic Rhinosinusitis

Tuesday, October 1, 2024
8:48 AM – 8:54 AM EDT
Location: MBCC, 230
Disclosure(s):
Tyler J. Gallagher, BS, BA:

faculty for this accredited education activity has no relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.

Introduction: Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is a prevalent condition, yet the public’s familiarity with treatment options is unclear. Therefore, we sought to explore individual knowledge of chronic rhinosinusitis in the United States.

Methods: A survey evaluating demographics, CRS symptoms, and treatment knowledge (measured via 5-point Likert scale; summary score was summation of each treatment type score) was administered to adults (over 18 years) via ResearchMatch. Ordinal multivariable regression was performed to explore factors associated with knowledge of CRS treatments. Student’s t-tests were performed to compare knowledge scores by diagnosing provider.

Results: The study cohort included 326 US adults who had a mean age 48.5 (SD = 17.2), were primarily female (243, 74.5%), White (277, 85%), and at least college-educated (242, 74.2%). Most familiar treatments (mean, SD) were antihistamines (4.1, 1.2), oral decongestants (4.1, 1.1), and nasal corticosteroids (4, 1.2). Least familiar treatments included drug eluting stents (1.4, 0.8), turbinate reduction (1.6, 1.1), and biologics (1.7, 1.1). Factors predictive of higher knowledge of CRS treatments included female gender (OR:2.08 [95%CI: 1.23-3.51]), higher medical literacy (OR:1.45 [95%CI: 1.26-1.66]), higher NOSE score (OR:1.07 [95%CI: 1-1.13]), and CRS diagnosis (OR: 2.90 [95%CI: 1.81-4.65]). Among those diagnosed with CRS (n = 63), mean knowledge score was higher if diagnosed by an otolaryngologist (mean = 35.7, SD = 7.1) compared to any other provider (mean = 31.9, SD = 6.7; p = 0.028).

Conclusions: On average, most individuals report being somewhat familiar with common CRS treatments, though most are unfamiliar with advanced treatments. Medical literacy and previous interactions with healthcare – and particularly otolaryngologists – are primary drivers of knowledge of CRS treatments, demonstrating the importance of interactions with healthcare providers in guiding management of this common condition.

    Presenting Author(s)

  • Tyler J. Gallagher, BS, BA

    Medical Student
    Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California
    Monterey Park, California, United States

    Disclosure(s):

    faculty for this accredited education activity has no relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.

    • Co-Author(s)

  • ML

    Matthew E. Lin, MD

    Resident Physician
    Department of Head and Neck Surgery, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA
    Los Angeles, California, United States

    Disclosure information not submitted.

    • Senior Author(s)

  • KH

    Kevin Hur, MD

    Assistant Professor
    USC Caruso Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery
    Los Angeles, California, United States

    Disclosure information not submitted.