Prevalence of Skin Diseases among Primary School Children in Benha City, Kalubia Governorate, Egypt

Abstract

Objectives : To assess the prevalence and types of skin diseases among primary school children in Benha City, Kalubia Governorate, Egypt. Background : Skin diseases are common among school-aged children, and many of such diseases are distressing for children in this age group. Patients and methods : An analytical cross-sectional study was performed on 400 primary school children of both sexes in Benha City, Kalubia Governorate, Egypt, in the period from April 2019 to February 2022. A well-designed interviewer-based questionnaire was applied to collect their demographic data and medical history, whereas signs of any skin disease were checked by the researcher through using a checklist. Results : The mean age of the studied participants was 9.65 ± 1.33 years. More than half of them were females (55.0%). Overall prevalence of skin diseases among them was 76.0%. The most common diseases were pediculosis capitis (23.0%), followed by pityriasis alba (10.0%), scabies (6%), and papular urticaria (6%). Residency, mother ' s work, computer use, per capita income, family size, crowding index, and nutritional status were determinants for disease occurrences ( P < 0.05). Conclusion : Skin diseases were common among primary school children in Benha City. The most common diseases were pediculosis capitis followed by pityriasis alba and then papular urticaria and scabies. Focused health education sessions are very crucial for school children, their parents, as well as their teachers to prevent such diseases. School health programs have to be empowered for early detection of any skin diseases through regular investigation of school children.