Prevalence, aetiology and predisposing factors for tinea capitis amongst pupils in rural communities in the Brong Ahafo Region of Ghana.
9 affiliations
- 1Delve Medical Services and Skin Centre, Accra, Ghana.
- 2Holy Family Hospital, Berekum, Ghana.
- 3Department of Community Health, University of Ghana Medical School, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana. [email protected].
- 4Department of Community Health, University of Ghana Medical School, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana.
- 5Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, Accra, Ghana.
- 6Department of Pathology, University of Ghana Medical School, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana.
- 7Medical Directorate, Kharis Clinics Ltd, Accra, Ghana.
- 8Department of Anaesthesia, University of Ghana Medical School, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana.
- 9Dermatology Unit, Department of Medicine & Therapeutics, University of Ghana Medical School, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana.
Abstract
Background
Tinea capitis remains a common superficial fungal infection among school-aged children in sub-Saharan Africa. However, up-to-date data on its burden and aetiological agents in many regions of Ghana are limited. This study determined the prevalence, aetiology, and predisposing factors for tinea capitis among primary school children in rural communities in the Brong Ahafo Region of Ghana.Methods
A school-based cross-sectional study was conducted between July and September 2019 among 708 pupils selected through multistage sampling from six rural basic schools in Sunyani, Techiman, and Kintampo North municipalities of the Brong Ahafo Region. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and clinical scalp examinations. Scalp scrapings and hair samples from clinically suspected cases were examined using potassium hydroxide microscopy and cultured on Sabouraud's agar for fungal identification. Logistic regression analyses were performed to identify factors associated with tinea capitis.Results
The overall prevalence of tinea capitis was 15.0% (95% CI: 12.4-17.8), with the highest prevalence observed in Kintampo North Municipality (19.5%). The grey patch variant was the most common clinical presentation (76.8%). Of the 106 samples cultured, 30.2% yielded dermatophytes, predominantly Trichophyton tonsurans (68.8%), followed by Trichophyton rubrum (15.6%). Aspergillus niger was the most common non-dermatophyte isolate. Significant predictors of infection included residence in Kintampo North (aOR = 2.62; 95% CI: 1.66-4.15) and presence of scalp complaints (aOR = 9.10; 95% CI: 5.88-14.29). Not having family members with scalp lesions was protective (aOR = 0.69; 95% CI: 0.52-0.93).Conclusion
Tinea capitis is moderately prevalent among pupils in rural communities of the Brong Ahafo Region of Ghana. The predominance of the anthropophilic dermatophyte T. tonsurans indicates that person-to-person transmission is the principal route of spread, emphasizing the need for school- and household-based control measures. Geographic location, scalp complaints, and a family history of infection were significant predictors of disease. Strengthened surveillance, early case detection, and improved access to systemic antifungal therapy are essential to reduce transmission and the burden of tinea capitis among Ghanaian school children.
Related
- Prevalence and risk factors of hepatitis B infection in rural communities: a cross-sectional analysis
- Unilateral Corneal Ulcer in a 2-Month-Old Infant Without Identifiable Predisposing Factors: A Case Report
- Interaction of genetic and environmental risk factors in the aetiology of keratoconus
- Surgery-related factors predisposing to uterine niche after cesarean section: a systematic review
- Microbiological aetiology of paediatric ventilator-associated pneumonia and risk factors for carbapenem-resistant acinetobacter and Pseudomonas in a tertiary-care hospital in Thailand.
BibTeX
@article{hagan2026prevalence,
title = {{Prevalence, aetiology and predisposing factors for tinea capitis amongst pupils in rural communities in the Brong Ahafo Region of Ghana.}},
author = {Paa Gyasi Hagan and Nana Ayegua Hagan Seneadza and Kwabena Oppong Amoako and Nyonuku Akosua Baddoo and Afua Owusua Darkwah Abrahams and Worlanyo Kudzo Seneadza and Christian Owoo and Margaret Lartey},
journal = {BMC infectious diseases},
year = {2026},
month = jul,
doi = {10.1186/s12879-026-14110-y},
url = {https://europepmc.org/article/MED/42919202},
note = {CC BY-NC-ND},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - Prevalence, aetiology and predisposing factors for tinea capitis amongst pupils in rural communities in the Brong Ahafo Region of Ghana.
AU - Paa Gyasi Hagan
AU - Nana Ayegua Hagan Seneadza
AU - Kwabena Oppong Amoako
AU - Nyonuku Akosua Baddoo
AU - Afua Owusua Darkwah Abrahams
AU - Worlanyo Kudzo Seneadza
AU - Christian Owoo
AU - Margaret Lartey
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/07/01
JO - BMC infectious diseases
DO - 10.1186/s12879-026-14110-y
UR - https://europepmc.org/article/MED/42919202
AB - Background Tinea capitis remains a common superficial fungal infection among school-aged children in sub-Saharan Africa. However, up-to-date data on its burden and aetiological agents in many regions of Ghana are limited. This study determined the prevalence, aetiology, and predisposing factors for tinea capitis among primary school children in rural communities in the Brong Ahafo Region of Ghana.Methods A school-based cross-sectional study was conducted between July and September 2019 among 708 pupils selected through multistage sampling from six rural basic schools in Sunyani, Techiman, and Kintampo North municipalities of the Brong Ahafo Region. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and clinical scalp examinations. Scalp scrapings and hair samples from clinically suspected cases were examined using potassium hydroxide microscopy and cultured on Sabouraud's agar for fungal identification. Logistic regression analyses were performed to identify factors associated with tinea capitis.Results The overall prevalence of tinea capitis was 15.0% (95% CI: 12.4-17.8), with the highest prevalence observed in Kintampo North Municipality (19.5%). The grey patch variant was the most common clinical presentation (76.8%). Of the 106 samples cultured, 30.2% yielded dermatophytes, predominantly Trichophyton tonsurans (68.8%), followed by Trichophyton rubrum (15.6%). Aspergillus niger was the most common non-dermatophyte isolate. Significant predictors of infection included residence in Kintampo North (aOR = 2.62; 95% CI: 1.66-4.15) and presence of scalp complaints (aOR = 9.10; 95% CI: 5.88-14.29). Not having family members with scalp lesions was protective (aOR = 0.69; 95% CI: 0.52-0.93).Conclusion Tinea capitis is moderately prevalent among pupils in rural communities of the Brong Ahafo Region of Ghana. The predominance of the anthropophilic dermatophyte T. tonsurans indicates that person-to-person transmission is the principal route of spread, emphasizing the need for school- and household-based control measures. Geographic location, scalp complaints, and a family history of infection were significant predictors of disease. Strengthened surveillance, early case detection, and improved access to systemic antifungal therapy are essential to reduce transmission and the burden of tinea capitis among Ghanaian school children.
SN - 1471-2334
ER -