Epidemiological aspects of infectious skin diseases among pupils enrolled in primary schools in Alexandria

ABSTRACT

A cross sectional study was chosen, pupils in the first and second grades of the primary governmental and private schools were the target population. By stratified sample technique, nine schools were selected randomly. Pupils were examined [n=925] and the prevalence rates of infectious skin diseases were calculated [n=426]. These children were compared to pupils free from the diseases [n=499]. The results of this study revealed high prevalence of infectious skin diseases [46.05%]. Pediculosis capitis was the main category of this group affecting the pupils aged six and seven years and enrolled in the first and second grades. This group of diseases affected more females and the first grade than the second grade pupils. Significant relationships are observed between the prevalence of infectious skin diseases, and low socioeconomic background. It is higher among pupils having illiterate parents, working mothers and of lower income percapita who lived in overcrowded house