Prevalence, Risk Factors, Management Practices, and Academic Impact of Recurrent Pharyngitis among Nigerian University Students: A Cross-Sectional Multi-Centre Study
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Abstract
Background: Recurrent pharyngitis is a common upper respiratory tract condition among young adults and contributes significantly to morbidity and academic disruption among students with limited studies in Nigeria. Study determined the prevalence, risk factors, management practices, and academic impact of recurrent pharyngitis among undergraduate students in Nigerian universities.
Methods: A cross-sectional multi-centre study involving 1,230 undergraduate students from 10 Nigerian universities was conducted. The structured questionnaire assessed environmental and behavioural risk factors, management practices (self-medication, use of over-the-counter medications, home remedies, and healthcare consultations), and academic outcomes. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and binary logistic regression analyses were performed, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05.
Results: The prevalence of recurrent pharyngitis was 62.6% (769/1,230). Significant associations were observed with dust exposure (χ² = 18.42, p < 0.001), frequent shouting (χ² = 22.15, p < 0.001), use of air conditioning or electric fans (χ² = 10.63, p = 0.001), and second-hand smoke exposure (χ² = 6.78, p = 0.009). Logistic regression identified shouting (OR = 2.14, 95% CI: 1.63–2.81), dust exposure (OR = 1.89, 95% CI: 1.45–2.46), and second-hand smoke exposure (OR = 1.52, 95% CI: 1.12–2.05) as independent factors. Self-medication was common (42%), while formal healthcare utilisation was relatively low. Academic impacts included lecture absenteeism (50%), reduced concentration (29%), and academic decline (21%).
Conclusion: Recurrent pharyngitis is highly prevalent among Nigerian university students and is associated with environmental and behavioural factors, self-medication practices, and substantial academic disruption. Targeted preventive and health-promotion interventions are warranted
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