Prevalence of Skin Diseases among Primary School Children

Abstract

Background and objective: Skin diseases constitute serious public health problems throught the world, especially in children. The aim of the study was to determine the preva-lence of skin diseases in primary school children in Erbil city, and its relation to various socio-demographic factors. Methods: A total of 6915 pupils aged 6-15 years were randomly selected from 32 primary schools using multistage random sampling technique. Data regarding general socio-demographic variables were collected from each student in a specially designed question-naire. Children were clinically examined and the dermatological findings were recorded. Results: The overall prevalence of skin diseases was 40.6%, Infectious dermatoses have the highest prevalence rate (15.27%), followed by eczematous skin diseases (13.13%). The overall prevalence of skin diseases and infectious dermatoses were significantly higher among females, younger age groups and those of low socio-economic status, while eczematous skin diseases were significantly higher among males. Conclusions: Skin conditions are common among school children, which may reflect pre-vailing low socio-economic conditions. Relevant health education programs and preventive measures should be implemented.

Prevalence and Pattern of Skin Disorder among Primaryschool Children in Wasit Governorate, Iraq, 2021

“…Regarding the body mass index, most of the participants had a normal body mass index (77%), 16.8% were overweight, 4.3% were obese, while only 2% had underweight, as shown in figure 3 In instance, research conducted in Iraq Erbil City found that the frequency of skin illnesses among primary school pupils was 40.6%. [14]. A study conducted in Baghdad in 2010 found that the frequency was 40.9%.…”

“…Regarding the pattern of the skin disorders, viral infection was the most common, as 20.5% of the participants had skin viral infection, and fungal infection was observed in 12% of the participants, followed by bacterial infection as it observed in 8% of the participants (Table 3.2). In another study that was done in Erbil City, the infectious dermatome was the most prevalent skin disorder; the highest prevalence of these disorders was a parasitic infection, followed by viral infection [14]. While viral infection was the most prevalent cause of skin disorder, a study was done in Turkey, followed by parasitic, fungal, and bacterial [15].…”