Authors : O.A. Oyedeji , G.A. Oyedeji , O.A. Oyelami and Olaniyi Onayemi
Abstract: In a prospective study undertaken to determine the prevalence and pattern of Skin Infections and Infestations([SII), among 554 urban and 566 rural Nigerian pupils, SII were found in 168 [30.3%] urban and 285(50.3%) rural pupils. The greater percentage of the rural compared to the urban pupils is statistically significant. 2 = 46.63, p < 0.05. The pattern of SII among the rural and urban pupils was similar. Impetigo, Dermatophytosis (tinea or ringworm infections), Pityriasis versicolor and Scabies the most prevalent SII, were found in 68 (12.3%), 67 (12.1%), 20 (3.6%) and 21 (3.6%) 554 urban pupils, respectively. Among the rural pupils, Impetigo, Dermatophytosis, Pityriasis versicolor and Scabies were found in 149 (26.3%), 101 (17.8%), 48 (8.5%) and 27 (4.8%) 566 pupils, respectively. Four hundred and thirty two (76.3%) of the 566 rural pupils and 271 (48.9%) of the 554 urban had unsatisfactory hygiene. Of the 432 rural pupils with unsatisfactory hygiene, 229 (53%) had SII compared with 56 (41.8%) of the total 134 pupils with satisfactory hygiene. 2 = 4.710 p < 0.05. Also, of the 271 urban pupils with unsatisfactory hygiene, 116 (42.8%) had SII compared with 52 (18.4%) of the 283 pupils with satisfactory hygiene 2 = 38.00 p < 0.05. To reduce the prevalence of SII among school children, appropriate interventions to improve the standard of living and hygiene of the affected populace especially the rural dwellers, should be instituted.
O.A. Oyedeji , G.A. Oyedeji , O.A. Oyelami and Olaniyi Onayemi , 2007. A Comparative Survey of the Prevalence and Pattern of Skin Infections and Infestations Between Urban and Rural Nigerian Primary School Pupils . International Journal of Tropical Medicine, 2: 126-130.