Impetigo in Saudi Arabian Children: Prevalence, Causes, and Influencing Factors
Introduction
Table of Contents
This study investigates the link between impetigo prevalence and personal hygiene practices in Saudi Arabian children. We expect children with poor hygiene habits, such as infrequent handwashing and inadequate bathing, to have higher rates of impetigo than those with better hygiene. We also expect that socioeconomic status will affect impetigo occurrence, with children from lower socioeconomic backgrounds showing higher rates due to limited access to healthcare and hygiene resources. Our goal is to understand how impetigo affects children in Saudi Arabia and identify strategies to prevent and manage it effectively.
Materials and Methods
Setting
The research took place in various regions of Saudi Arabia, covering urban and rural areas from June 2022 to November 2023.
Study Population
We focused on 2- to 15-year-old Saudi Arabian children. Participants included a mix of genders and socioeconomic backgrounds, representing diverse living conditions, from urban apartments to rural villages.
Sample Size and Sampling Technique
A minimum sample size of 385 was calculated. We used convenience sampling, selecting participants based on their availability. Interviews lasted less than 15 minutes.
Inclusion Criteria
Participants were Saudi Arabian children aged 2 to 15 with informed consent provided by their parents or guardians.
Exclusion Criteria
Children with chronic skin diseases or immunosuppressive disorders were excluded from the study.
Study Variables
- Independent Variables: Parent age, child’s gender, household socioeconomic status, parent education level, geographic location, personal hygiene practices, and environmental conditions.
- Dependent Variables: Impetigo prevalence, diagnosis confirmation, severity, and complications.
Data Collection Tools
Pilot Study
We conducted a pilot study with 20 participants to assess the questionnaire’s reliability. The results indicated satisfactory reliability and clarity for the main study.
Ethical Considerations
The study followed the Declaration of Helsinki and received approval from King Faisal University. Informed consent ensured voluntary participation and privacy.
Statistical Analyses
We used SPSS version 28.0 for analysis. Descriptive statistics summarized participant demographics and hygiene practices. The chi-square test assessed associations, while multivariate logistic regression examined demographic influences on impetigo occurrence.
Results
Demographic Characteristics
We collected data from 1200 eligible participants, with an 80% response rate. Most parents had female children (79.3%). The age group of 18-24 years accounted for 33.7% of participants. The majority held bachelor’s degrees (74.6%) and lived in urban areas (94.8%).
Prevalence and Awareness
About 49.2% of respondents knew about impetigo, but only 5.2% reported having children diagnosed with it. Many recognized the importance of hygiene practices in preventing it.
Personal Hygiene Practices
43.1% of children always washed their hands, with 69.8% bathing several times a week. 75.4% of children never shared personal items.
Association Between Impetigo and Personal Hygiene
There was a significant association between impetigo occurrence and personal hygiene scores.
Socioeconomic Status and Impetigo
Most parents had at least a college education (82.8%) and lived in middle-income households (89.7%). Access to clean water and sanitation was nearly universal (97.8%).
Demographic Factors Influencing Impetigo
Multivariate analysis showed that females had higher odds of impetigo. Lower education levels and certain employment statuses also increased the risk.
Discussion
This study reveals important insights into impetigo prevalence in Saudi Arabian children. Many parents have limited knowledge about the disease. There is a clear link between poor personal hygiene and higher impetigo rates. The findings emphasize the need for increased awareness and education to improve hygiene practices among at-risk groups.
Conclusion
We highlight the correlation between impetigo and personal hygiene, along with the impact of socioeconomic factors. Education campaigns targeting parents can help reduce impetigo rates. Future studies should explore additional influential factors and confirm findings through longitudinal methods.
Acknowledgments
We thank Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University for funding this research.
This study involved the collaboration of multiple authors under the guidance of funding and institutional support.
Disclosure
The authors have reported no conflicts of interest related to this work.