ABSTRACT
Background: Tina capitis is a mycosis caused by dermatophytes that invade the keratinized tissues such as skin, nails, and hair. It is important to know the prevalence, route of transmission and risk factors of these infections for prevention and treatment of this disease. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence rate and risk factor associated with tinea capitis in the general population of Arar city, Northern Saudi Arabia
Methods: Cross sectional hospital based study. Data collected from 180 participant aged 5- 60 years, attending three randomly selected primary healthcare centers in Arar city during the period from 1st January to 30th June 2017. Participants selected using a systemic random sampling procedure as we take every second person attending the PHC during the study period. Each participant interviewed separately, and confidentiality assured. Data was collected by means of personal interview with the sampled person using a predesigned questionnaire covering the needed items
Results: The overall prevalence of tinea capitis among the studied population was 31.1%. Males were more affected [56.7%] than females [P value>0.05] and 35% of cases aged from 16-21 years [P value>0.05]
Conclusion: The overall prevalence of tinea capitis among Arar population was 31.1%. This indicates the high tendencies of spread of tinea capitis through human-to-human mode of transmission and possible animal contact. Community health education on the cause, mode of transmission, prevention, and prompt treatment of tinea capitis is recommended
Subject(s)
Humans , Male , Female , Child, Preschool , Child , Adolescent , Adult , Middle Aged , Prevalence , Risk Factors , Cross-Sectional StudiesABSTRACT
Background: inappropriate use of antibiotics is known as an important risk factor in the development of antibiotic resistance, which increases the morbidity and mortality. We aimed to determine the prevalence and characteristics of antibiotic use in a Tertiary Care Hospital in Tabuk city, Northern Saudi Arabia
Methods: a cross sectional study was conducted in a Tertiary Care Hospital in Tabuk city, during October 2017
Results: a total of 120 participants, 107 of them had antibiotics in their prescriptions with antibiotic use prevalence 89.2%. Most of patients were males [62.6%] and children and adolescents [0-19 years] constituted 4.8%. The most attended department was internal medicine [32.7%]. 21 diseases were identified, upper respiratory tract infection [URTI], followed by urinary tract infection [UTI] 8.4%. Among the antibiotics, ampicillin, cephalosporin and metronidazole were the most prescribed antibiotics as each of them were found in 16.8% of cases, followed by quinolones in 12.1% and macrolides in 11.2%. In addition augmentin [9.3%], aminoglycosides [7.5%] and chloramphenicol [1.9%]. Regarding the combined therapy, 31.8% of patients received combination of two antibiotics, 4.7% received three antibiotics and only one antibiotic was prescribed in 68% of patients. The most common route of administration was the oral tablets in 48.6% and syrup in 14% of patients
Conclusion and recommendations: the prevalence of antibiotic use in Tabuk Tertiary Care hospitals was very high [89.2%] which could be a risk factor for the development of antibiotic resistance. We advocate public health measures targeting healthcare providers on the use and misuse of antibiotics