A Cross Sectional study on the Prevalence of Common Skin Diseases among Primary School Children in Government Schools of Pulianthope Zone, Chennai, 2011.

Introduction: Skin diseases are common among school going children. The prevalence of skin diseases among children in various parts of India range from 8.7% to 35% in school based surveys. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment of skin diseases can decrease the childhood morbidity and their complications. 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 in the above population. Methodology: A cross sectional study was done among Primary School children in 4 Government schools in Pulianthope Zone of Chennai. The schools were chosen by Two Stage Random sampling method and the period was between March to November 2011. 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 and Fisher’s Exact test. Results: The study revealed the overall prevalence of skin diseases to be 59.3% (95% C.I 54.2% to 63.7%). Pediculosis Capitis was the common disease followed by Miliaria, Impetigo, and Scabies. There was significant association between parent’s educational status, Socio economic status, more than 4 family members in a house, overcrowding, all family members sharing the same room for sleeping, toilet facility in the house, Children not taking bath daily, not wearing washed clothes daily and the skin diseases. Regarding personal hygiene, unclean school dress, dandruff in the hair, unclean teeth, dental caries, unclean nails, bad body odour and barefoot walking had statistical significant association with the skin diseases. Conclusion: Skin diseases constitute a high prevalence in this population in spite of the routine school health programme. Hence adequate attention should be given to skin diseases. The importance of maintenance of personal hygiene should be taught to each child by the teachers as well as their parents