WORLD JOURNAL OF ADVANCE
HEALTHCARE RESEARCH

*Muthanna Sulaiman Khudair, Dr. Ammar H. Yahia

ABSTRACT

Dermatophyte infections (tinea) are common superficial fungal infections of the skin, hair, and nails that constitute a substantial public health burden, particularly in developing countries. This cross-sectional study aimed to determine the prevalence, demographic distribution, and contributing factors of tinea infection among patients attending dermatology consultation units in Mosul City, Iraq. A total of 771 tinea patients of different age groups, sexes, educational backgrounds, and occupations, attending Al Salam Teaching Hospital, Ibn Sena Teaching Hospital, and Al Mosul General Hospital over six months (2 January-30 July 2025), were evaluated through clinical examination, structured interview, and review of medical records. The overall prevalence of fungal infection among dermatology attendees was 3.195%. Tinea corporis was the most frequent presentation (40.1%), followed by tinea capitis (37.0%); tinea capitis predominated in children aged 1-9 years (33.5%) and in males (25.3%), whereas tinea corporis was more common in adults aged 30 years and above and in females (21.8%). Rural residents were more often affected than urban residents (55.0% versus 45.0%). Itching was the most frequently reported symptom (48.8%), and heat was the leading aggravating factor (55.3%). Dermatophyte infection remains a significant public health problem in Mosul city, disproportionately affecting children and rural populations; targeted hygiene education and improved access to dermatological care are recommended to reduce its burden.

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