PREVALENCE AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS OF SKIN DISEASES AMONG PRIMARY SCHOOL CHILDREN IN ILLUABABORZONE, OROMIA REGIONAL STATE, SOUTH WEST ETHIOPIA

Skin diseases represent an important public health burden, particularly in developing countries, where high prevalence figures (21%–87%) have been reported and usually are not well managed. School survey is a useful yardstick as it is easy to conduct, less time consuming and large number of children of particular age group can be screened for presence of diseases.To assess the prevalence and associated factor of common skin disease among primary school children in Illu Aba Bora Zone, Oromia Regional state, Ethiopia. Institution based cross-sectional study using both quantitative and qualitative data collection methods was carried out from October, 2015 to May, 2015 G.C.A pre-tested structured questionnaire for participant interview and structured checklist for physical examination was used. A total of 828 participants available during data collection period were systematically included in the study unit. Data were collected by interviewing, physical examination and laboratory investigation to confirm some case. Data was cleaned, coded, and entered to SPSS version20 for analysis [Analysis and interpretation of data was carried out by considering Chi-square, OR, bivariate and logistic regression and P value of < 0.05 was considered statistically significant]. Physical examination was carried out with absolute privacy, and informed verbal consent was obtained before administering the interview and conducting physical examination.The overall prevalence of skin disorder was 58.3%.Of them 31.7% had two or more skin disorder. Pediculosis capitis was the commonest transmissible skin disorder with an overall prevalence of 63.5%. The prevalence of skin disorders was high among the primary school children in the study area. This might be a reflection of the prevalence in the overall population of the area but skin diseases, especially infestations and infection are not given the emphasis they deserve. Hence appropriate health education program and preventive measures should be implemented.