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Background: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is one of commonest noninfectious skin diseases. Its prevalence is thought to range from 5% to 30% worldwide. The exact cause of AD still remains unknown, although it is believed to be as a result of the complex interactions of genes and environmental factors encountered in everyday life that lead to itchy rash and dry skin. It is not surprising that it interferes with social function, absenteeism from school, sleep and needs repeated clinic visits. It is stressful and frustrating for both primary schoolchildren and their caretakers especially because of frequent flare-ups and itching.
Objective: To determine the prevalence, severity, associated factors and management of AD among primary schoolchildren in the community in Kilimanjaro Region, Northern Tanzania.
Methodology: A cross-sectional study was carried out between November 2013 to April 2014 among primary schoolchildren in the Moshi municipal and Rombo Districts. A purposive sampling technique was used to select primary schools and all pupils available at the time of the study were examined. Those pupils with AD were followed up at their homes where caretakers were interviewed.
Data was collected using a standardized questionnaire and analysis was done using SPSS version 16.
Results: Of the 1431 primary schoolchildren examined, 58 (4.1%) had AD, the majority were females, aged below 10 years, in the lower (first to fourth) school grades. Children with AD and associated atopic co-morbidities numbered 20 (43.5%) and most of them were females. Allergic rhinitis was found in 16 (34.8%) primary schoolchildren with AD was the most frequent co-morbidity disorder. Out of the 46 primary schoolchildren with AD, 24 (52.2%) had a positive family history of AD. The knowledge of caretakers of environmental triggering factors of AD is low except amongst those who received the proper health education on AD.
Conclusion and recommendation: The prevalence of AD among primary school children in Kilimanjaro Region is 4.1%. A large scale community based study is therefore recommended so as to determine the true prevalence of AD in Tanzania. |
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