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

Sinai University

Status: Completed

Conditions: Quality of Life Impairment; Climate Change Anxiety; Chronic Rhinosinusitis (CRS)

Study type: Observational

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT07119879

IRB00014233-17

Details and patient eligibility

About

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.

Full description

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.

Enrollment: 134 patients

Sex: All

Volunteers: No Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion and exclusion criteria

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

Trial design

134 participants in 1 patient group

Adults with Chronic Rhinosinusitis

Description:

This cross sectional includes adult participants (≥18 years) with self-reported or physician-diagnosed chronic rhinosinusitis who completed an online questionnaire assessing climate change anxiety, SNOT-22 scores, and quality of life.