ABSTRACT

Background and objectives: Skin infections are among the common diseases in children of Africa. Among the factors contributing to high prevalence of skin infections, poor hygiene is the most apparent factor yet can be controllable. Schools are organized communities where children from different families with different social status spend much of their time. The role of school is important for cognitive, creative and social development of children. Education regarding proper sanitation and hygiene practices is necessary for control of skin diseases plus having a safe, secure and healthy environment so that children can have a better life. Since the relationship of hygiene and skin infections among children below 15 years was not yet well established as a problem concern and still stands, my research aimed at assessing possible hygiene related skin infections, contribution of poor hygiene towards the development of these infections with its factors that precipitate un improved hygiene and the prevention measures of these skin infections in children under 15 years studying in Rukindo Primary School of Bushenyi, Uganda. 

Methodology: A community based cross-sectional study was done amongst the primary school children in Rukindo Primary school with the help of a predesigned and pretested questionnaire, verbal interaction and random clinical examination. Data analysis was done.  Results: Out of 200 pupils, 68 I.e. 34% had the commonly known skin infections where 21% were boys and 13% were girls making a ratio of 21:13 showing a more prevalence in boys. Common skin diseases were ring worms; 8.8%, scabies; 11.8%, tungiasis/ jiggers 35.3%, generalized dry or wet skin rashes 39.7% other skin diseases like carbuncles, furuncles (boils), and others 19.1%. Many of these pupils had super infections and appeared to have more than one infection. Conclusion: In this study, prevalence of skin infection found to be clubbed in the lower socioeconomic group, day scholars and in boys than girls. Hence, health education among the children as well as their parents to promote proper awareness and practice of personal hygiene hence reduce various skin-related health problems is necessary.

Key words: Personal hygiene, Primary school children, Skin infection

Table of Contents

Declaration ………………………………………………………………………………..….…..i

Approval ………………………………..………………………………………...……….….…ii

Acknowledgement ………………………………………………………………..……….……iii

Table of contents ……………………………………………….…………………...………..…iv

Operational definitions …………………………………………………………………………vii

List of abbreviations…...............................................................................................................viii

Abstract …………………………………………………………………………...…………….ix

CHAPTER ONE:

1.0 Introduction …………………………………………………………………….……..……..1

1.1 Background to the study ………………………………………………………….…..……...1

1.2 Problem statement ……………………………………………………………………...……4

1.3 Broad objective..……………………………………………………………………..………4

1.3.2 Specific objectives ……………………………………………………………..…….……5

1.4 Research questions ……………………………………………………………..…...……….5

1.5 Justification ………………………………………………………………………...………..5

CHAPTER TWO; 

LITERATURE REVIEW;

2.0 Introduction ……………………………………………………………………….……..…..6

2.1 Hygiene related skin infections common in children …………………………….………….6

2.2 Factors that precipitate poor hygiene and its contribution to prevalence of skin infection in children under 15 years 

2.3 Intervention on prevention and management ……………………………………..……..…..9

CHAPTER THREE; 

METHODOLOGY;

3.0 Introduction…………………………………………………………………………..……..12

3.1 Study scope……………………………………………………………………...………….12

3.2 Study design……………………………………………………………………..….………12

3.3 Study population……………………………………………………………….……..…….13

3.4 Sampling methods…………………………………………………………………..…..…..13

3.5 Sample size determination………………………………………………………...……..…13

3.6 Study variables………………………………………………………………...……..……..13

3.7 Data collection tools…………………………………………………………....……..…….13

3.8 Data analysis and presentation………………………………………………………..….....13

3.9 Data quality control…………………………………………………………...……..……...13

3.11 Data presentation methods…………………………………………………………..…….14

3.12 Limitations……………………………………………………………...……………..…..14

3.13 Dissemination…………………………………………………………………..……...…..14

CHAPTER FOUR;

RESULTS;

4.0 Introduction………………………………………………………………………...……….15

4.1 Hygiene related skin infections prevalence…………………………………………………15

4.2 Factors that precipitate poor hygiene and its contribution to prevalence of skin infection in children under 15 years………………………………………………………………..………..20

4.2.1 Hygiene and skin infection awareness………………………………………………..…..20

4.2.2 Ability to put in practice the known hygiene practices………………………………...…20

4.2.3 Family contribution e.g. parental concern and guardians……………………………...…21

4.2.4 Environmental effect…………………………………………………………………...…21

4.2.5 Socioeconomic status……………………………………………………………………..22

4.3 Medical seeking behavior to promote prevention and management……………………..…22

CHAPTER FIVE;

5.0 Introduction…………………………………………………………...…………………….23

5.1 Discussion………………………………………………………………..…………………23

5.1.1 Hygiene related skin infections in children under 15 years studying in Rukindo Primary School of Bushenyi, Uganda

5.1.2 Factors that precipitate poor hygiene and how it contributes to the development of skin infections in children under 15 years in Rukindo Primary School

5.1.3 Behaviors that promote prevention and management of hygiene related skin infections

5.2 Conclusion………………………………………………………………………..…………25

5.3 Recommendation……………………………………………………………………...…….26

Reference…………………………………………………………………………………..……28

APPENDIX I: Research questionnaire…………………………………………………………31

APPENDIX II; Map of Bushenyi-Ishaka Municipality showing location of Rukindo P/S…….35

Letter of approval for data collection……………………………………………………...……36