An Epidemiological Study of Prevalence of Skin Diseases among Secondary School Going Children in District Meerut

Introduction:-Skin disorders are a common cause of morbidity, especially among school children, worldwide. Present study was conducted among secondary school going children in urban and rural field area of district Meerut to find the prevalence of skin diseases and suggest preventive measures based on the study findings. Material and Methods:-A Cross-Sectional study was conducted among 400 secondary school going children (aged between 13-15 years from class VIII to Xth ) of district Meerut . Multistage simple Random Sampling Technique was applied and a self-design, semi structured schedule was used. Result:-In study 212 (53%) were male and 188 (47%) were female children. Overall prevalence of skin diseases was 195(48.75%). Prevalence of skin diseases was more in rural 134(60.6%) than urban 61(34.1%). Skin diseases were more in males 119 (56.13%) than females 76 (40.43%).Skin diseases were more common in Muslims 39(82.98%) than any other religion. Most common skin diseases in study population were pyoderma (28.20%) followed by scabies (22.56%),Tinea-corporis(10.25%),Nutritional disorders (5.13%), Pediculosis-capitis (5.12%),warts (4.62%) , Folliculitis (4.10%), Miliaaria (4.10%),Molluscum-contagiosam (3.08%). Pityriasis-versicolor (2.56%), Acne (2.56%), Tinea-capitis (2.06), Insect bite (2.06), disorder of nails (2.06), Urticaria (1.03%), Tinea-pedis (00.51%). Conclusion:-Skin diseases were common among students.Pyoderma, scabies and tinea were most common and these can be prevented by maintaining good hygiene.Periodic orientation programmes for students and parents should be done to make them aware of common skin diseases and prevention. Teachers should be trained to inspect hygiene among students and suggest correction measures.