Parental Factors Influencing the Prevalence of Skin Infections and Infestations Among Nigerian Primary School Pupils

Abstract

Background: The various factors including parental which influence the prevalence of childhood skin infections and infestations (SII) in the developing countries have been subjected to very little research. Yet, the health and well-being of children is dependent on their parents. Objectives: To determine the prevalence and influence of parental factors of skin infections and infestations (SII) among primary school children in Ijesa-land, Nigeria and influence of parental factors. Methodology: A total of 1,120 pupils from 30 non-boarding public schools in 6 Local government areas of Ijesa-land, were recruited by a multi-staged random technique. Physical and laboratory examinations for SII were conducted and parental sociodemographic data documented. Results: The overall prevalence rate for SII was 40.4%. Impetigo (19.4%), Tinea (15.0%), Pityriasis versicolor (6.1%) and Scabies (4.3%) were the most prevalent. Hitherto, majority (88.9%) of affected pupils were unaware of their skin disease. Higher prevalence of SII was observed among children of unmarried parents (p = 0.034), poorly-educated mothers (p < 0.001), poorlyeducated fathers (p = 0.002), low maternal (p < 0.001) and low paternal (p < 0.001) occupational groups and those with low parental socio-economic status (p < 0.001). Conclusions: SII are very common among Primary school pupils in Ijesa-land. Low parental occupational grouping, poor parental socio-economic, educational and marital status may be contributory. Recommendation: Enhanced parental, particularly female education, poverty alleviation and improved school health programme may mitigate the effects and prevalence of SII among school children in this community.