title: Prevalence ofTinea CapitisInfection Among Primary School Children in a Rural Setting in South-West Nigeria.
abstract: Dermatophyte infection is a common skin disorder.Tinea capitis, infection of the scalp and hair shaft, is the most common dermatophytosis in children aged between six months and pre-pubertal age. The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence, causative agents and to identify predisposing factors among primary school children in a rural community in Sagamu, Ogun state, Nigeria. This was a descriptive cross sectional study. Interviewer administered questionnaire was used. Following a physical examination, children with a clinical diagnosis oftinea capitishad scalp and hair scrapings for microscopy and culture.Tinea capitiswas confirmed in 15.4%.Trichophyton mentagrophyte(51.7%) andMicrosporum aoudouinii(20.7%) were the most prevalent organisms in this study. The most common predisposing factors were carrying of objects on the scalp; sharing of hair clippers, scissors, combs, towels and fomites. Low socioeconomic status coupled with overcrowding and poor hygiene was the major determinant oftinea capitisamong the children.Tinea capitisremains a common infection among Nigerian school children. Health promotion and health education interventions are recommended to promote good hygiene, better living conditions, early identification and treatment.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine, Faculty of Clinical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Lagos , Nigeria.
authors.forename: Olusola
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Ayanlowo
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine, Faculty of Clinical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Lagos , Nigeria.
authors.forename: Ayesha
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Akinkugbe
authors.affiliation: Department of Microbiology and Department of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Lagos , Nigeria.
authors.forename: Rita
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Oladele
authors.affiliation: Department of Community Health and Primary Care, College of Medicine, University of Lagos , Nigeria.
authors.forename: Mobolanle
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Balogun
keywords: Nigeria; public health; school children; tinea capitis