Epidemiology of Tinea Capitis and Associated Factors among School AgeChildren in Hawassa Zuria District, Southern Ethiopia, 2016

Abstract

Introduction: Africa, being the settings mostly affected, the rates of tinea infection ranges between 10 and 30% among school-aged children. For instance in Ethiopia, the prevalence of tinea capitis among school children was 47.5%. The aim of this study was to determine the magnitude of tinea capitis and associated factors among school age children in Dorebafano town, Hawassa Zuria Disrict, Southern Ethiopia. Methods: A community based cross-sectional study design was conducted among 292 children in Dorebafano town from June 30 to July 6, 2016 using systematic random sampling technique. Data was collected using pretested and interviewer administered structured questionnaire. The presence or absence of tinea capitis was confirmed by physical examination and taking samples from scalp scratch and observing under a microscope with potassium hydroxide (KOH). Logistic regression was carried out to identify factors associated with presence of tinea capitits. Model fitness was checked using Hosmer and Lemeshow show. Result: The magnitude of tinea capitis among the study subjects was 32.3% [CI: 27.3%-37.5%]. Age of child (AOR=3.2, 95% CI: 1.40, 7.00), sex of child (AOR=0.10, CI (0.03, 0.40), educational status of the child (AOR=6.9, 95% CI: 1.4, 33.5) and presence of similar illness (AOR=6.49, 95% CI: 2.42, 17.43) were identified to be independent factors for the occurrence of tinea capitis. Conclusion: The magnitude of tinea capitis among the study subjects was found to be high. Age, sex, educational status of children and presence of similar illness were identified factors for occurrence of tinea capitis. Health promotion, health education measures and early identification and treatment of tinea capitis need to be given emphasis.