A study on superficial skin infection and their risk factors among rural population of West Bengal

Background: Superficial skin infections (SSI) are quite common but often avoidable public health problem which requires early diagnosis and prompt treatment to prevent complications. Despite the high prevalence of certain skin diseases in developing countries, they have so far not been regarded as a significant health problem in the development of public health strategies. Methodology: This was a cross-sectional clinic-based study conducted from December 2016 to January 2017 among 160 study participants attending a rural health facility in Singur block of West Bengal using a predesigned structured schedule and clinical examination. Data were collected regarding sociodemographic profile, occupational details, housing condition, personal hygiene practices, and history of any skin diseases. Data were analyzed using appropriate statistical methods using SPSS (version 16). Results: A total of 27 (16.9%) of 160 study participants were suffering from SSI. Tinea corporis and tinea cruris were the two most prevalent types of SSI. Nature of work adjusted odds ratio ([AOR]-4.88 [1.38–17.20]), water source for bathing (AOR-4.27 [1.15–15.80]), persons/room (AOR-3.22 [1.26–8.21]), poor personal hygiene (AOR-1.67 [1.18–2.36]), and diabetes (AOR-3.34 [1.08–10.31]) were found to be significant predictors of SSI. Conclusions: Superficial fungal infection is the most prevalent type of SSI in the present study. More emphasis should be given to improving hygiene practices, living conditions, controlling diabetes, and creating awareness to reduce the risk of skin infection.