Prevalence of various skin disorders in school going children of Kashmir valley of North India: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background: Reports from different parts of the world have revealed wide variation in the prevalence of various skin disorders. Variations exist with respect to age, sex, dwelling and socio-economic status. Prevalence studies of skin disorders in children and adolescents are meager. Aim: The aim of the present study was to determine the prevalence of various skin disorders in school going children of Kashmir valley of North India. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was designed to find the prevalence of skin disorders in the age group of 6-19 years. Kashmir valley of North India was stratified into North, Central and South Kashmir and among them one district was selected. Educational institutions were stratified as per levels of education, i.e. primary, middle, secondary, higher secondary and college. Each strata was sub-grouped sex-wise. From each educational institution, 10% of students were selected through the systematic random sampling. A specially designed questionnaire was framed and information regarding any of dermatological ailments was noted. A total of 5000 students were examined and prevalence of all types of skin disorders was noted. Results: Eczemas formed the largest group followed by acne vulgaris. In the eczema group, pityriasis alba was most frequent type followed by hand eczema, irritant and allergic contact dermatitis taken together. Individually, acne vulgaris was the most prevalent skin disorder in the study group. Conclusion: The study found that skin disorders were more common in males than females, in urban than in rural dwellers, in students from government schools than private schools and in students belonging to the low socioeconomic group.