Abstract
Skin disorders are one of the commonest conditions among school children in developing countries. There are only a few published studies available from Sri Lanka on the prevalence of skin disorders. A community-based cross-sectional study was carried out among five government-run schools randomly selected from the district of Gampaha, Sri Lanka, during 2016-2017. A total of 41 students between 5 and 16 years of age were randomly selected from each school. Sociodemographic profile and hygienic behaviors of selected students were assessed using a pretested interviewer-administered questionnaire. Students were examined by a medical officer for the presence of different skin disorders. The chi-squared test of association and binary logistic regression were used for the identification of the significance of socioeconomic factors and hygienic practices among the study participants. A total of 205 school children participated in the study. The commonest skin disorder was pediculosis (42.0%; n=86), followed by dandruff (8.3%; n=17), fungal infections (6.8%; n=14), and scabies (1.5%; n=3). Almost one-fourth of the study participants (22.9%; n=30/131) had more than one disorder, majored by Pediculus captis infestation with dandruff. Over one-third (36.1%; n=74) were free of any skin disorders. The prevalence of skin disorders was significantly high among females (87.3%; n=110), compared to males (26.6%; n=21). Presence of long hair, higher family size, and limited number of rooms in the house were risk factors associated with the prevalence of skin disorders. The commonest skin disorder was pediculosis, while scabies and fungal infections were scarce among school children in the district of Gampaha, Sri Lanka. Implementation of health education and monitoring programs at the school level for maintaining the dermal health status of school children is recommended.
Highlights
Ectoparasites and fungi are responsible for a heterogenous group of dermatoses, which are transmissible
Pediculosis caused by Pediculus humanus capitis, is another infection that is often reported among school-aged children, girls [9]
Pretested questionnaires were used to assess the sociodemographic profiles and the hygienic behaviors of study participants. e sociodemographic section of the questionnaire that included age, gender, family size, number of household occupants, number of rooms in the house, parental education, occupation, and the average monthly household incomes was completed by mothers or principal caretakers, while hygienic behaviors of students were assessed directly by interviewers. e hygienic behaviors such as the frequency of hair washings, sharing of combs and brushes, and any recent infestation/infection events among family members were noted by direct interviews with study participants with the support of their guardian, where necessary
Summary
Ectoparasites and fungi are responsible for a heterogenous group of dermatoses, which are transmissible. Scabies and pediculosis (capitis) are among the commonest ectoparasitic dermatoses that are present among children in developing countries, while pyodermas, dermatophytoses, and other fungal dermatoses too are reportedly of significance [1,2,3]. Scabies was added to the World Health Organization’s (WHO) list of neglected tropical diseases in 2013 on account of its substantial morbidity resulting a higher burden of disease, which was mostly unrecognized [8]. Pediculosis caused by Pediculus humanus capitis, is another infection that is often reported among school-aged children, girls [9]. Superficial fungal infections (SFIs) have been reported as a common cause of skin disease worldwide among school children [10]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
