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International Journal of Recent Trends in Science and Technology, ISSN 2277-2812 E-ISSN: 2249-8109

Volume 9, Issue 2, December 2013 pp 182-185

Research Article

Prevalence of Skin Diseases among Government Primary School Children in Pulianthope Zone, Chennai, India

Janaki M.^*, Jaiganesh D.^**, Rajendran A. K.^***, Anitha Ram^****

^*,**Assistant Professor, Department of Community Medicine, Melmaruvathur Adhiparasakthi Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Melmaruvathur, Tamil Nadu, INDIA.

^*** Professor, Department of Community Medicine, Sri Muthukumaran Medical College Hospital and Research Institute

Chennai, Tamil Nadu, INDIA.

Academic Editor : Dr. Aher K.R.

Introduction: Skin diseases are common among school children. The prevalence of skin diseases among children in India range from 8.7% to 35% in school based surveys. Early diagnosis and treatment of skin diseases can decrease the childhood morbidity and their complication.  Objectives: To find the prevalence of common skin diseases among the primary school children in Government Schools and the factors associated with the skin diseases. Methods: A school based cross sectional study was done among Primary School children in 19 Government schools in Pulianthope Zone of Chennai during June to December in 2011. From the 19 schools, 450 children were selected by simple random sampling method. Skin examination was done in the Schools in sunlight and the data was collected from the parents or available family members by home visits. The association between various factors and skin diseases were analyzed by using Chi Square test. Results: The study revealed the overall prevalence of skin diseases was 59.3% (95% C.I 54.2% to 63.7%). Pediculosis capitis was the commonest one which contributed 27% (68), followed by Miliaria rubra 21% (53), Impetigo 15 %( 38), Pityriasis alba 14% (35), Scabies 11 % (28), Tinea Versicolor 5%(13), Insect bite allergy 4%(10), Viral warts3% (7).There was significant association between Mothers education, Socio economic status, overcrowding, and, Bathing habit and wearing washed clothes and toilet facility in the house. Conclusion: Skin diseases constitute a high prevalence in this population in spite of the routine school health programme. Hence regular health checkup should be provided to identify and treat skin diseases.  Health education should be given to both teachers and parents regarding skin diseases among the children.