CARETAKERS’ KNOWLEDGE TOWARDS PREVENTION OF TINEA CAPITA AMONG CHILDREN BELOW 12 YEARS IN KAJJANSI HEALTH CENTER IV, WAKISO DISTRICT. A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY.

Abstract

Background

Tinea capitis (TC) is a disease caused by superficial fungal infection of the skin of the scalp, eyebrows, and eyelashes, with a propensity for attacking hair shafts and follicles. The prevalence of tinea capitis has increased in children worldwide. Therefore, this study intends to assess the Caretaker's knowledge towards prevention of tinea capita among children below 12 years in Kajjansi Health Center iv, Wakiso district.

 Methodology

A descriptive study design was employed for quantitative data collection, simple random sampling technique was used to select respondents from which data was collected. Well, a well-designed, semi-structured questionnaire written in the English language with open and closed-ended questions and pre-tested questionnaires was used to collect data on a sample of 50 respondents, data was later analyzed manually and systematically by compiling it in the form of percentages, tables, pie charts, and bar graphs.

 Results

Majority of respondents (46%) were between the age (7-12) years, (40%) had completed their primary level of education. 54% of the respondents had ever heard about tinea capitis, 46% knew breaking off of the hair was a sign of tinea capitis, (50%) knew that observing proper personal hygiene was one of the management options for tinea capitis and 70% mentioned that tinea capitis is spread through shaving at the barbershop.

 Conclusion

Knowledge about prevention of tinea capitis among caretakers was fair; since most of the respondents had ever heard about tinea capitis and most of them had obtained the information about tinea capitis from the health workers.

 Recommendations

The Ministry of Health and NGO through media should create awareness about the management and prevention of tinea capitis in children to the population.