Prevalence of Dandruff among the Pupils and Staff of some Selected Public Schools in Katsina State

Abstract

Dandruff is characterized by patches of loosely attached flakes on the scalp, which are generally accompanied by irritation. malassezia species of the genus restricta and globossa, Staphylococcus species of the genus aureus, and Bacteria of the genus Propiobacterium are components of human skin microflora and etiological agents of dandruff.   The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence of dandruff,  Isolation and identification of the pathogens causing the dandruff infection among secondary school students in Katsina State. The study was a cross-sectional survey conducted with the permission of seven local government areas, namely: Katsina, Funtua, Mani, Kankia, Malunfashi, Dutsin-ma, and Daura. According to the prevalence studies of the selected LGAs, Kankia and Mani Local Governments had the highest prevalence rates of 14.81% and 14.65%, respectively, followed by Daura, Malunfashi, and Funtua with 14.49%, 14.33%, and 14.01%. Dutsinma and Katsina had the lowest prevalence rates, of 13.85% and 13.85%, respectively.    Males (51%) were more affected than females (49%), out of the 420 people polled.  The prevalence by age shows that the age group 11-20 years has the highest incidence of dandruff infection, with 58.83%, followed by the age groups 1-10 years, with 21.88%, and 21-30 years, with 8.27%. The socioeconomic position of the individuals studied was found to be a risk factor for the occurrence of this disease. The prevalence of dandruff was highest in villages, followed by towns, with 58% and 42%, respectively. To prevent the spread of this disease, the researchers recommend sterilizing barbing and weaving materials.