Prevalence and Risk Factors Associated with Tinea Capitis among Primary School Children in a Semi-Urban Area of Rivers State, Nigeria.

BACKGROUND

Tinea capitis is the most common fungal infection among school-aged children. It is endemic in many African countries with hot, humid tropical climate. It is highly contagious and a significant public health problem. Tinea capitis poses an economic burden based on the direct and indirect cost of diagnosis and treatment.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the prevalence and risk factors associated with tinea capitis among primary school children in Emohua, Rivers State.

METHODS

A descriptive cross-sectional study design was employed. Multi-stage sampling technique was used to recruit pupils aged 6-12 years from 9 primary schools in two school districts. A total of 1,289 pupils consisting of 698 (54.2%) males and 591 (45.8%) females (M:F ratio=1.2:1) were studied. A structured pre-tested questionnaire was used to obtain relevant information. Diagnosis of tinea capitis was made clinically and scrapings of the hair and scalp obtained for microscopy.

RESULTS

Tinea capitis was clinically diagnosed in 184 pupils, giving a prevalence of 14.3% with a male to female ratio of 2.5:1. Of 184 clinically diagnosed cases, mycological examination of hair and scalp scrapings gave positive results in 127 (69.0%) pupils. Tinea capitis was significantly higher among males than females (p<0.001). The infection was not significantly associated with overcrowding (p=0.997), poor personal hygiene (p=0.998), animal contact (p=0.284) or low socioeconomic condition (p=1.296).

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of tinea capitis infection in primary school children is high, with a higher prevalence in males. There was no significant association between risk factors and tinea capitis.