The Association of Foot Hygiene Level with Tinea Pedis Incidence in Military Personnel

Tinea pedis is a condition of fungal infection of the skin on the bottom of the feet which causes disruption to the integrity of the skin in that area. Tinea pedis usually appears in damp environmental conditions, long-term wearing of closed shoes, and poor hygiene. TNI has a potentially high risk of Tinea pedis infection. This study aims to provide an overview members of the Indonesian National Army (TNI) who have a high potential risk of Tinea pedis infection. The study adopts a descriptive analysis employing a cross-sectional design. The research is focused on the military personnel of the Raider Infantry Battalion 328 Kostrad Cilodong. The sample size for this study was determined to be 70 individuals using the Slovin formula. Data collection involved the use of questionnaires and foot skin scrapings. The analysis was conducted using the Chi-square test. The data collection process took place in December 2023. The results showed most soldiers of Infantry Battalion 328 Kostrad Cilodong demonstrate good foot hygiene practices and Tinea Pedis was identified in those 24 soldiers. There was a significant relationship between maintaining foot hygiene and the incidence of Tinea pedis (p=0.026; OR 2.178), despite maintaining good foot hygiene, certain soldiers were still developed by Tinea pedis. Conclusion: The level of personal foot hygiene, in conjunction with extended use of occlusive footwear, predispose individuals—particularly military personnel—to excessive moisture, interdigital occlusion, maceration, and overgrowth of bacterial flora. These changes in the microenvironment of the feet significantly elevate the risk of Tinea pedis infection.