Evidence map›Paper›PMID 42919202›Full record

ArticleBMC infectious diseases2026

Prevalence, aetiology and predisposing factors for tinea capitis amongst pupils in rural communities in the Brong Ahafo Region of Ghana.

Paa Gyasi Hagan, Nana Ayegua Hagan Seneadza, Kwabena Oppong Amoako, Nyonuku Akosua Baddoo, Afua Owusua Darkwah Abrahams, Worlanyo Kudzo Seneadza, Christian Owoo, Margaret Lartey

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Article in BMC infectious diseases, 2026. 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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5 · Who and what money

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8 authors.

Paa Gyasi HaganDelve Medical Services and Skin Centre, Accra, Ghana.
Nana Ayegua Hagan SeneadzaDepartment of Community Health, University of Ghana Medical School, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana. nseneadza@ug.edu.gh.
Kwabena Oppong AmoakoDepartment of Community Health, University of Ghana Medical School, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana.
Nyonuku Akosua BaddooDepartment of Community Health, University of Ghana Medical School, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana.
Afua Owusua Darkwah AbrahamsDepartment of Pathology, University of Ghana Medical School, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana.
Worlanyo Kudzo SeneadzaMedical Directorate, Kharis Clinics Ltd, Accra, Ghana.
Christian OwooDepartment of Anaesthesia, University of Ghana Medical School, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana.
Margaret LarteyDermatology Unit, Department of Medicine & Therapeutics, University of Ghana Medical School, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundTinea capitis remains a common superficial fungal infection among school-aged children in sub-Saharan Africa. However, up-to-date data on its burden and aetiological agents in many regions of Ghana are limited. This study determined the prevalence, aetiology, and predisposing factors for tinea capitis among primary school children in rural communities in the Brong Ahafo Region of Ghana.

methodsA school-based cross-sectional study was conducted between July and September 2019 among 708 pupils selected through multistage sampling from six rural basic schools in Sunyani, Techiman, and Kintampo North municipalities of the Brong Ahafo Region. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and clinical scalp examinations. Scalp scrapings and hair samples from clinically suspected cases were examined using potassium hydroxide microscopy and cultured on Sabouraud's agar for fungal identification. Logistic regression analyses were performed to identify factors associated with tinea capitis.

resultsThe overall prevalence of tinea capitis was 15.0% (95% CI: 12.4-17.8), with the highest prevalence observed in Kintampo North Municipality (19.5%). The grey patch variant was the most common clinical presentation (76.8%). Of the 106 samples cultured, 30.2% yielded dermatophytes, predominantly Trichophyton tonsurans (68.8%), followed by Trichophyton rubrum (15.6%). Aspergillus niger was the most common non-dermatophyte isolate. Significant predictors of infection included residence in Kintampo North (aOR = 2.62; 95% CI: 1.66-4.15) and presence of scalp complaints (aOR = 9.10; 95% CI: 5.88-14.29). Not having family members with scalp lesions was protective (aOR = 0.69; 95% CI: 0.52-0.93).

conclusionTinea capitis is moderately prevalent among pupils in rural communities of the Brong Ahafo Region of Ghana. The predominance of the anthropophilic dermatophyte T. tonsurans indicates that person-to-person transmission is the principal route of spread, emphasizing the need for school- and household-based control measures. Geographic location, scalp complaints, and a family history of infection were significant predictors of disease. Strengthened surveillance, early case detection, and improved access to systemic antifungal therapy are essential to reduce transmission and the burden of tinea capitis among Ghanaian school children.

Indexed as

Rural PopulationTinea CapitisAdolescentChildCross-Sectional StudiesFemaleGhanaHumansMalePrevalenceRisk FactorsSchoolsStudentsTrichophytonBrong Ahafo regionDermatophyte infectionGhanaRuralScalp ringwormSchool childrenTinea capitis

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PMID42919202

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