The Psychosocial Impact of Tinea Capitis on Quality of Life in Libyan Schoolchildren
A Cross-Sectional Study
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.37376/sjuob.v39i1.7854Keywords:
Tinea Capitis, quality of life,, Psychosocial, schoolchildrenAbstract
Tinea capitis, the most common fungal infection in school-aged children, causes significant psychosocial impact. However, data on its effect on quality of life (QOL) in Libyan children is limited. This study aimed to assess its impact on the quality of life of affected children and determine the relationship between QOL scores and epidemiological factors like age, sex, disease duration, and clinical type. It was a hospital based cross-sectional study of 50 Libyan children (aged 6-12 years) diagnosed with tinea capitis. Each patient underwent a detailed history, clinical examination, and KOH testing. The Children's Dermatology Life Quality Index (CDLQI) questionnaire was administered to assess QOL. Data were analyzed using t-tests, Mann-Whitney U tests, and chi-square tests. The mean CDLQI score was 11.5 ± 4.5. A significant psychosocial impact (CDLQI score ≥6) was found in 48% of patients. Factors significantly associated with higher QOL impairment were female gender, longer disease duration, and the inflammatory kerion variant. The most severely affected QOL aspects were "symptoms and feelings" and "school." Age and socioeconomic status did not show a significant correlation with QOL scores. Tinea capitis causes a significant psychosocial impact on affected children’s life. Management should extend beyond antifungal therapy to include psychological support, especially for girls, those with long-standing disease, and those with severe inflammatory presentations.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Laila Ahmed Tayyip, Nabil A. Eljehawi, Suad Alnasfi, Bashir H Ahmed
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