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.