Prevalence of ringworm or dermatophytosis, A retrospective study of age-related infections among patients attending Halibet national referral hospital, dermatological clinic from 2014 - 2018 in Asmara, Eritrea

Abstract

Background: Globally skin diseases are major health problem. These skin diseases are caused by different types of Tinea infections that include: Tinea barbae, Tinea capitis, Tinea corporis, Tinea cruris, Tinea faciei, Tinea manuum, Tinea pedis and Tinea unguium. The prevalence of the skin diseases ranges from 25% to 45.3%; the worldwide prevalence rate of fungal infections is within the range of 20 - 25 % globally (WHO, 2005). This wide variation of disease prevalence and pattern among countries is because of different skin type, occupation, age, sex, level of immunity and culture. Objective: The aim of the study was to identify which age groups are more susceptible to Tinea (Ringworm) infections among patients who attended Halibet National Referral Hospital, Dermatologic Clinic from 2014 to 2018 Asmara, Eritrea. Methods: A five year retrospective record review was done to identify the more susceptible age group for superficial fungal skin infections and its determinants in outpatients who attended dermatologic Clinic at Halibet National Referral Hospital, Asmara, Eritrea from 2014 to 2018. The data was analyzed using SPSS version 22. Results: Out of these patients who came from the whole country as referral and self-referral, 5524 (17.18%) were diagnosed clinically as cases with different types of Tinea infections. the study results also indicated an increased trend of skin diseases. Tinea skin infections was found to be highly common among children [76% (n=4201)]. The study also revealed that a significant association (P<0.000) between age and site/type of an infection. Conclusion: The study concludes that a higher prevalence of skin fungal infections among infants and child age group (0-13 years of age). Indicating that with an increase of age the diseases prevalence was found to be lower. The study also revealed that a significant association (P<0.000) between age and site/type of an infection.