Al-Qadisiyah Journal of Pure Science

The frequency and risk factors for tinea capitis fungal infections among elementary school and kindergarten students in Al-Diwaniyah Governorate, Iraq.

10.29350/qjps.2026.193016
Volume 31, Issue 1
Summer 2026
Pages 201-211
Al-Qadisiyah Journal of Pure Science

Document Type : Biology

Author

Khadija Mousa Abd Al-Jabar

College of science, university of Al-Qadisiyah

Abstract
Background: A fungal infection of the scalp, tinea capitis is also referred to as scalp ringworm. It poses a serious risk to public health anywhere, but especially in Iraq. However, in areas with lower awareness, there are few epidemiological statistics on this illness.
Objectives: Determining the frequency and risk factors for tinea capitis in students in five locations of the Al-Diwaniyah Governorate was the purpose of this study.
Methods: A cross-sectional survey of students aged <6 to 12 years was undertaken from )October1-2025to February1-2026). The children were evaluated, and samples of tinea capitis infections were taken and cultured on Sabouraud dextrose agar slopes, one containing 50 mg/ml of chloramphenicol and 500 mg/ml of cycloheximide, and one containing only chloramphenicol. After being identified by their morphological characteristics, the cultivated dermatophytes were inspected under a microscope.
Results: A total of 150 students were included. Of these, 85 (56.6%) had tinea capitis. Hairstyling in females, personal hygiene, antifungal use, and student age are all related with a lower incidence of TC (in a multivariate study of risk factors for TCs among students in Al- Diwaniyah province). In contrast, being male, being younger than the students, having a bigger family size, and not utilizing antifungal medicines were all related with an increased risk of tinea capitis development.
Conclusion: These findings highlight the need of spreading knowledge and educating people about proper cleanliness and hair styling. To better control this infection in the Al-Diwaniyah Governorate, more work is being done to improve health infrastructure and put focused public health programs into place.

Keywords

Key words: Tinea capitis
Dermatophytosis
Epidemiology
Schoolchildren
Hygiene

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