Browsing by Author "Msowoya, Getrude"

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    Factors contributing to increasing numbers of clients with Tinea Capitis in Nkhota-kota district
    (Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, 2009-12-01) Msowoya, Getrude
    The study aimed at exploring on factors contributing to increasing numbers of clients with tinea capitis in Nkhotakota district. A quantitative non-experimental descriptive study design was used. 30 clients using convenience sampling were enrolled in the study. Using a structured questionnaire, data was gathered from the respondents, who were guardians of children with tinea capitis found at Nkhotakota Skin Clinic. Data was analysed manually and the results have been presented using percentages, pie charts, frequencies, tables and histograms. The findings of the study have revealed that primary school children aged below ten are the ones more affected with the infection. It has also been revealed that the boys are the ones who are more affected than girls. Delay in seeking treatment, the hygiene practices and the living conditions have been identified as some of the contributing factors to transmission of tinea capitis and the health services provided in relation to treatment and prevention of tinea capitis have been shown to be inadequate. Despite the fact that there are more children infected with tinea capitis in schools, there are no school health programs targeting the screening and treatment of infected children and the skin clinic do not have systemic ant fugal drugs at times. To prevent further spread of the infection there is need to reintroduce primary school health programs where comprehensive screening of pupils should be done and teachers and health surveillance assistants should be empowered to refer pupils and individuals they suspect have tinea capitis for treatment to their nearest hospitals respectively.