Impact of Climate Change Anxiety on Sinusitis Symptoms and Quality of Life Among Adults With Chronic Rhinosinusitis: A Cross-Sectional Study

N/ACompletedNCT07119879

Sinai University134 enrolled

Overview

This cross-sectional observational study investigates the relationship between climate change anxiety and chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) symptom severity and quality of life (QoL) in adults. As climate change continues to influence public health, individuals with chronic respiratory diseases may experience worsened symptoms due to heightened psychological stress and perceived environmental instability. The study utilizes standardized instruments including the SNOT-22 (Sino-Nasal Outcome Test), a QoL scale, and a climate change anxiety questionnaire to evaluate associations among these variables.

Climate change has emerged as a major global health concern, with growing recognition of its psychological impacts, including anxiety, distress, and perceived environmental instability. These psychosocial effects may exacerbate symptoms in chronic inflammatory conditions such as Chronic Rhinosinusitis (CRS), a disease characterized by persistent nasal congestion, facial pressure, and impaired quality of life. This study aims to explore the correlation between self-perceived climate change anxiety and CRS symptom severity and QoL in an adult population. A total of 134 participants with CRS, aged ≥18 years, were recruited to complete an online Arabic-language survey. The survey included demographic information, the SNOT-22 scale, a validated quality of life questionnaire, and a climate change stress scale. The primary objective is to assess the association between climate change stress and symptom severity (SNOT-22 total score). The secondary objective is to determine the relationship between climate change anxiety and QoL. The study uses Pearson's correlation analysis to examine these associations. This research introduces a novel psychosomatic dimension to CRS management by highlighting how environmental and psychological stressors may influence disease burden. Results may inform multidisciplinary approaches for patient care, incorporating environmental awareness and mental health support.

Study Type

OBSERVATIONAL

Enrollment

134

Conditions

Chronic Rhinosinusitis (CRS)

Eligibility

Sex: ALL

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria Participants must meet all of the following: Adults aged 18 years or older Self-reported or clinically diagnosed with Chronic Rhinosinusitis (CRS) with symptoms lasting ≥12 weeks Able to read and understand Arabic Able to complete the online questionnaire independently Provided informed consent prior to participation Exclusion Criteria Participants will be excluded if they meet any of the following: Diagnosis of severe psychiatric or psychological disorders (e.g., schizophrenia, bipolar disorder) History of major chronic illnesses that may confound outcomes (e.g., cardiovascular disease, cancer, chronic neurological disease) Recent nasal or sinus surgery within the past 3 months Incomplete survey responses that prevent data analysis Participants under 18 years of age

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Correlation between Climate Change Anxiety and CRS Symptom Severity

Evaluate the relationship between participants' climate change anxiety scores and their chronic rhinosinusitis symptom severity using the SNOT-22 questionnaire.

Time frame: Day 1 (Single assessment at time of survey completion)

Secondary Outcomes

Correlation between Climate Change Anxiety and Quality of Life

Assess the relationship between climate change anxiety scores and health-related quality of life (QoL) scores among adults with CRS.