Work

The mediating role of healthy lifestyle in the association between higher socioeconomic status and an increased risk of allergic rhinitis: an analysis of NHANES

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The association between socioeconomic status (SES) and allergic rhinitis (AR) remains inconsistent, and the role of healthy lifestyle in mediating or modifying this relationship is not well characterized. METHODS: This cross-sectional study analyzed NHANES data from 3,463 U.S. adults collected in 2005-2006. Latent class analysis using education, PIR, occupation, health insurance, and marital status assessed SES. Healthy lifestyle scores were derived from smoking, drinking, physical activity, and diet. Associations were examined using logistic regression, interaction analysis, and mediation analysis. RESULTS: Among 3,463 participants, 616 had AR, yielding an approximate prevalence of 17.8%. After adjusting for covariates as well as lifestyle scores or SES, individuals with high socioeconomic status (SES) (OR: 1.323, 95% CI: 1.074-1.632) and those with 3 or 4 healthy lifestyle factors (OR: 1.396, 95% CI: 1.082-1.811) showed a higher risk of AR. No interaction was observed. The highest risk was observed among individuals with both high SES and 3-4 healthy lifestyle factors, compared to those with medium SES and 0-1 healthy lifestyle behavior. A healthy lifestyle statistically accounted for the association between SES and AR, explaining 28.57% of the total effect. This mediating role remained significant among subgroups including individuals aged under 47 years, males, Non-Hispanic whites, and those with comorbidities. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings indicated that higher SES and higher healthy lifestyle scores were both positively associated with the risk of AR, and that a healthy lifestyle statistically explained the observed the association between SES and AR.

Source: European Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology

DOI: 10.1007/s00405-026-10311-y

Authors: Jinghua Chen, Zhigang Lai, Junchun Wu, Weihua Chen

Institution: First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University

Language: English

Topic: Allergic Rhinitis and Sensitization

Subfield: Immunology and Allergy

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $2,890