Evaluation of the prevalence and caracterization of rhinosinusitis in primary health care centers in Portugal

Abstract: To determine RS prevalence, diagnosed at the Portuguese Primary Health Care Centres (PHCC), and to assess diagnostic and treatment practices. Study Design: Epidemiologic, cross-sectional study. Material and Methods:A cohort of subjects attending general practice medical appointments, in selected PHCC, was evaluated. Results: Between May/2008 and June/2009, 1,201 subjects were included with a mean age of 41.7+13.2 years, of which 71% were female. The total prevalence of RS was 19.2%, [n=231; 17.1%, 21.5%; 95% CI]. The prevalence of acute RS was 7.4%, [n=89; 6.0%; 9.0%; 95% CI], and of chronic RS was 13.% [n=156; 11.2%, 15.0%; IC 95%]. The estimated prevalence of RS is high. About 92% of patients with RS presented at least one symptom for disease diagnosis (p