Evidence map›Paper›PMID 41248330›Full record

ArticleBMJ open2025

Prevalence, risk factors and behavioural perceptions of groin rash in Thai military personnel: a cross-sectional study.

Yutarat Suwanchatkul, Charussri Leeyaphan, Pattriya Jirawattanadon, Punyawee Ongsri, Phuwakorn Saengthong-Aram, Jomgriditip Laomoleethorn, Sumanas Bunyaratavej

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Article in BMJ open, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

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1 · What the graph read from it

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2 · The registry

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3 · Its place in the literature

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4 · The record

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5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

7 authors.

Yutarat SuwanchatkulDepartment of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand.
Charussri LeeyaphanDepartment of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand.
Pattriya JirawattanadonDepartment of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand.
Punyawee OngsriDivision of Dermatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Naval Medical Department, Royal Thai Navy, Somdej Pranangchao Sirikit Hospital, Sattahip, Chonburi, Thailand.
Phuwakorn Saengthong-AramDepartment of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand.
Jomgriditip LaomoleethornDepartment of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand.
Sumanas BunyaratavejDepartment of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand consultskin@yahoo.com.ORCID http://orcid.org/0000-0002-0852-7742

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

objectivesThe aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of groin rash among Thai military personnel and to identify associated risk factors, clinical features and patient perceptions. We also evaluated care-seeking behaviour and treatment practices.

designCross-sectional, questionnaire-based study.

settingConducted among Thai military personnel in a tropical environment.

participantsA total of 500 male military personnel were recruited between August 2022 and September 2023. Of these, 475 participants were included in the analysis, while 25 were excluded due to non-participation in field training. Eligibility was restricted to those actively engaged in field exercises at the time of study.

interventionsNot applicable. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES: Primary outcome was the prevalence of groin rash, defined by self-report aided by standardised clinical images. Secondary outcomes included risk factors, rash morphology, symptom severity, treatment practices and healthcare-seeking behaviour. Associations were analysed using multivariable logistic regression adjusted for age, body mass index (BMI) and other covariates.

resultsLifetime prevalence of groin rash was 22.3% (106/475), and the point prevalence was 3.8% (18/475). Among those with rash, 39.6% were classified as probable fungal infections. Independent risk factors included reusing underwear (aOR 2.25; 95% CI 1.27 to 3.99; p=0.005) restricted bathing time (aOR 1.73; 95% CI 1.06 to 2.83; p=0.030) and higher BMI (aOR 1.10; 95% CI 1.02 to 1.42; p=0.030). Most affected participants (54.7%) reported minimal impact on daily life, and only 18.9% sought professional care. Self-medication was common, with 50% using topical over-the-counter antifungals alone, while 16% used a combination of oral and topical drugs. Relapse occurred in 36.1% of cases.

conclusionsGroin rash is relatively common among young Thai military personnel and is associated with modifiable hygiene-related factors. Only a small proportion of affected individuals appear to present for medical evaluation. Educational interventions emphasising regular laundering and adequate bathing during training may assist in reducing its prevalence.

Indexed as

ExanthemaGroinMilitary PersonnelPatient Acceptance of Health CareAdultCross-Sectional StudiesHumansMalePrevalenceRisk FactorsSoutheast Asian PeopleSurveys and QuestionnairesThailandYoung AdultAdult dermatologyDermatologyInfectious diseases & infestations

Identifiers

PMID41248330
PMCPMC12587932

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LicenceCC BY-NC
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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.