Prevalence and risk factors of tinea capitis in primary school children across four regions of Cameroon.

Tinea capitis (TC), commonly known as scalp ringworm, is a dermatophytosis affecting the scalp. It represents a significant public health concern worldwide, particularly in Africa. However, epidemiological data on this infection remain limited in Cameroon. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and risk factors of TC among school-children in four regions of Cameroun. A cross-sectional study was carried out from April to June 2023 including pupils aged 5-14. First, a standardized questionnaire was administered to the participants to collect sociodemographic data. Then, the children were examined and TC lesion samples were collected and cultured onto Sabouraud Chloramphenicol-Gentamicin Agar. The cultured dermatophytes were identified based on their morphological features and with MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry. A total of 459 children were included, of whom 118 (25.7 %) presented with TC lesions. Traditional hair braiding (OR = 0.24, 95 %CI: 0.06-0.90), and sleeping alone (OR = 0.49, 95 %CI: 0.26-0.91) were associated with a decreased risk of TC in multivariate logistic regression analysis. In contrast, male sex (OR = 3.15, 95 %CI [1.63-6.06]), hairdressing at home (OR = 2.39, 95 %CI [1.45-3.93]), and ringworm in siblings (OR = 2.79, 95 %CI [1.73-4.50]) were associated with an increased risk of TC. These results emphasise the importance of raising awareness and providing education on hygiene and hairstyling practices. Further efforts are needed strengthen health infrastructure, and implement targeted public health programmes to better control this disease in Cameroon.