PREVALENCE OF DERMATOPHYTE INFECTIONS IN SCHOOL-AGED CHILDREN AND ASSOCIATED HYGIENE PRACTICES

Authors

  • Muhammad Faizan Khyber Medical University, Peshawar, Pakistan. Author
  • Ayesha Khalid University of Home Economics, Lahore, Pakistan. Author https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0862-7161
  • Muhammad Ibrahim Tehsil Headquarters Hospital (THQ), Hazro, Attock, Pakistan. Author
  • Mohammad Moosa Health Department, Gwadar, Pakistan. Author
  • Izza Rafi Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan. Author
  • Hasnain Asad PPHI, Tando Muhammad Khan, Pakistan. Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.71000/mxxjzc87

Keywords:

Child, Epidemiology, , Dermatophytosis, , Hygiene, , Pakistan, Prevalence, Risk Factors

Abstract

Background: Dermatophyte infections remain a prevalent public health concern among school-aged children, particularly in low-resource and tropical regions. These infections, though often superficial, can cause significant discomfort, stigma, and complications if untreated. Personal hygiene behaviors play a critical role in either predisposing children to or protecting them from these fungal infections.

Objective: To investigate the prevalence of dermatophyte infections and their association with personal hygiene practices among children aged 6–12 years in primary schools in Lahore, Pakistan.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted over eight months in six randomly selected public and private schools. A total of 355 children were enrolled using multistage random sampling. Clinical examination and KOH microscopy confirmed dermatophyte infections. A structured questionnaire assessed hygiene behaviors. Data were analyzed using SPSS v26. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and logistic regression were employed to evaluate associations, considering p<0.05 statistically significant.

Results: The prevalence of confirmed dermatophyte infections was 30.4%. Infected children showed significantly higher rates of irregular bathing (79.6%), barefoot walking at school (63.0%), and sharing of personal items (72.2%). Logistic regression revealed that irregular bathing (OR: 3.4), barefoot behavior (OR: 2.7), and sharing personal items (OR: 4.1) were strong independent predictors of infection (p<0.01).

Conclusion: Dermatophyte infections are common among schoolchildren and are closely linked to modifiable hygiene behaviors. Targeted interventions focusing on hygiene education and school-based health initiatives are vital to reducing transmission and improving dermatologic health in this population.

Author Biographies

  • Muhammad Faizan, Khyber Medical University, Peshawar, Pakistan.

    Medical Officer, Khyber Medical University, Peshawar, Pakistan.

  • Ayesha Khalid , University of Home Economics, Lahore, Pakistan.

    Assistant Professor of Psychology, University of Home Economics, Lahore, Pakistan.

  • Muhammad Ibrahim, Tehsil Headquarters Hospital (THQ), Hazro, Attock, Pakistan.

    Medical Officer, Tehsil Headquarters Hospital (THQ), Hazro, Attock, Pakistan.

  • Mohammad Moosa, Health Department, Gwadar, Pakistan.

    Senior Medical Officer, Health Department, Gwadar, Pakistan.

  • Izza Rafi, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan.

    Student, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan.

  • Hasnain Asad, PPHI, Tando Muhammad Khan, Pakistan.

    In-Charge Medical Officer, PPHI, Tando Muhammad Khan, Pakistan.

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Published

2025-06-18