TY - JOUR AU - Ayanlowo, Olusola AU - Akinkugbe, Ayesha AU - Oladele, Rita AU - Balogun, Mobolanle PY - 2014/03/17 Y2 - 2024/03/28 TI - Prevalence of Tinea capitis infection among primary school children in a rural setting in south-west Nigeria JF - Journal of Public Health in Africa JA - J Public Health Afr VL - 5 IS - 1 SE - Original Articles DO - 10.4081/jphia.2014.349 UR - https://www.publichealthinafrica.org/jphia/article/view/349 SP - AB - Dermatophyte infection is a common skin disorder. <em>Tinea</em> <em>capitis</em>, infection of the scalp and hair shaft, is the most common dermatophytosis in children aged between six months and pre-pubertal age. The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence, causative agents and to identify predisposing factors among primary school children in a rural community in Sagamu, Ogun state, Nigeria. This was a descriptive cross sectional study. Interviewer administered questionnaire was used. Following a physical examination, children with a clinical diagnosis of <em>tinea</em> <em>capitis</em> had scalp and hair scrapings for microscopy and culture. <em>Tinea</em> <em>capitis</em> was confirmed in 15.4%. <em>Trichophyton mentagrophyte</em> (51.7%) and <em>Microsporum aoudouinii</em> (20.7%) were the most prevalent organisms in this study. The most common predisposing factors were carrying of objects on the scalp; sharing of hair clippers, scissors, combs, towels and fomites. Low socioeconomic status coupled with overcrowding and poor hygiene was the major determinant of <em>tinea</em> <em>capitis</em> among the children. <em>Tinea</em> <em>capitis</em> remains a common infection among Nigerian school children. Health promotion and health education interventions are recommended to promote good hygiene, better living conditions, early identification and treatment. ER -