Abstract:

Background: Superficial skin fungal infections are the fungal diseases that involve the skin, nails, mucous membrane and hair. Also, among the neglected communicable diseases in many developing countries which highly effects primary school children. The main objective of this study was to determine the magnitude and associated risk factors of superficial skin fungal infections among primary school children in Sengerema district, Mwanza.

Methods: This was a cross sectional community-based study conducted from June to July 2020 involving 320 primary school children from randomly selected schools in Sengerema District. The participants were interviewed using structured questionnaire for demographic data and a physical examination through observation was performed to assess for the presence of skin fungal infections. Data were analysed by SPSS version 23.

Results: A total of 320 pupils with equal sex distribution, with males being 162/320 (50.2%), were recruited. The majority were in the age group between 10-12 years. The prevalence of dermatophyte infections was 167/320 (52.2%). Tinea capitis being the leading superficial skin fungal infection, 124/167(74.3%).

Conclusion: Findings from this study imply the magnitude of superficial skin fungal infections in rural settings is significantly high with Tinea capitis being the being. I recommend to the policy makers on improving provision of health education in rural settings so as to reduce the burden of superficial skin fungal infections.