| dc.description.abstract | Superficial fungal infections (Tinea capitis) are common among school going children and studies have shown that practices children are involved in promote the spread at school or home. However, the practices, knowledge and attitude of these children are poorly understood to inform their engagement in the prevention and control the infection. This study therefore assessed the practices, knowledge and attitude on the spread of superficial fungal infections (Tinea capitis) among 163 children aged 5-12 years in lower primary schools in Seme Sub-County, western Kenya. A cross sectional study design and systematic sampling method was adopted. Information on the practices, knowledge and attitude on fungal infection from the school children was collected using a structured-questionnaire. The results showed that over 50% of the pupils had adequate knowledge
on the spread of superficial fungal infections. On attitude, 58.9%of the children believed that those
with fungal infection should not be allowed to play with others or go to school. Furthermore, 70.6%
and 54.6% of the pupils agreed that sharing of toys and hairbrush respectively lead in promoting
the infections. These findings show that pupils demonstrate good knowledge on superficial fungal
infection. Therefore, there is a need for stakeholders in the health and education sector to develop
a policy framework for their engagement in the prevention and control of superficial fungal infections. | en_US |