Abstract: Objective To elucidate the prevalence and symptomatic profile of allergic rhinitis (AR) in children aged 6-12 years in Bayannur City, thereby providing an evidentiary basis for regional prevention, control, and clinical intervention strategies. Methods A multi-stage, stratified, cluster sampling methodology was employed. Data were collected using parent-completed questionnaires, physician-administered examination checklists, and Visual Analog Scales (VAS). Descriptive statistics were utilized to characterize the prevalence and symptom spectrum. Univariate analysis was conducted using the chi-square test, followed by multivariate logistic regression to identify independent risk factors. Results A total of 4 936 children were enrolled, among whom 1 925 were diagnosed with AR, yielding a crude prevalence of 38.99%. The core symptoms, in descending order of frequency, were nasal obstruction (89.51%), sneezing (86.81%), nasal pruritus (86.60%), and rhinorrhea (78.70%). Symptoms of moderate severity constituted the largest proportion of cases (49.09%). Seasonal AR was predominant, accounting for 84.00% of cases, with a peak incidence observed between June and August (53.35%). The symptom duration was primarily persistent, defined as >4 weeks or occurring on >4 days per week (57.25%). The most common symptomatic dyad was the combination of nasal obstruction and rhinorrhea (76.26%). Among associated complaints, ear discomfort exhibited the highest rate of occurrence (77.71%). Multivariate analysis revealed that male gender (OR=1.403), urban residence (OR=3.818), a history of food allergy (OR=3.575), a history of drug allergy (OR=1.928), and frequent antibiotic use (OR=1.684) were independent risk factors for allergic rhinitis in this pediatric cohort (all P<0.05). Conclusion The prevalence of allergic rhinitis among children aged 6-12 years in Bayannur City is at a high level. The clinical presentation is predominantly characterized by mild-to-moderate, seasonal symptoms. Male gender, urban residency, a history of allergies, and frequent antibiotic use were identified as significant independent risk factors.

Key words: Pediatrics, Allergic rhinitis, Prevalence, Symptom spectrum, Risk factors