Prevalence, Pattern of Skin Diseases and Associated Risk Factors among Students of a Public Secondary School in Ekiti State, South-West Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Limited research exists on the frequency and patterns of dermatologic problems in adolescents and young adults. This study determined the prevalence and pattern of skin diseases and associated risk factors among students at a public secondary school in Ekiti State. Method: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 226 public secondary school students (Federal Teaching Hospital Staff School, Ido-Ekiti) Ekiti State, Southwestern Nigeria. The total population was used in this study using a semi-structured interviewer-administered questionnaire. Also, a general body medical examination was performed on the students to assess for skin lesions/rashes. Data collected were analysed with IBM SPSS version 25.0, while Chi-square and binary logistics regression were used to determine the predictors of skin diseases. Results with a p-value less than 0.05 were considered significant. Result: The majority (86.5%) were 9 to 15 years old, with a male-to-female ratio of 1.03:1. The prevalence of skin diseases among the students was 50.7%. More than two-thirds (70.8%) of those with skin disease had one skin disease and the commonest skin diseases among the students were acne (26.0%), miliaria sweat rash (11.2%), and pityriasis versicolor (7.2%). The only predictor of skin disease among the children was awareness (AOR=2.236, 95% CI= 1.227 – 4.076) rather than unawareness of skin disease. Conclusion: Over half of the students had one or more skin diseases, with acne and miliaria sweat rash being the most common forms. Awareness of skin diseases was a predictor of skin diseases among the participants. It is recommended that secondary school students may benefit from educational programs on the prevention of skin diseases.