Tinea Cruris: An epidemiological study with emphasis on human needs and education

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Harris_Benita_1989.pdf (3.48 MB)

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http://hdl.handle.net/11603/11364

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SU Graduate Theses

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Date

1989

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theses
Text

Department

Nursing

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Tinea cruris
Jock itch
College students -- Physical education

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to obtain baseline descriptive data to determine risk factors for tinea cruris (jock itch) in students enrolled in physical education courses at Salisbury State University. In addition, the researcher determined the present knowledge level of tinea cruris in these students by giving a pretest. A brief educational intervention on jock itch was presented and a post-test was given to determine if the education had enhanced the knowledge of tinea cruris in the subjects. The results of the study showed that 15 (28%) of the 54 subjects had had jock itch in the past. The analysis of pre and posttest scores revealed a significant increase in post-test scores. An item analysis of pre and posttest knowledge scores revealed three questions in which subjects did better on the pretest questions than the posttest. The researcher is not sure what prompted the subjects to choose an incorrect answer on these questions even after educational intervention. Education in these areas must be looked at further and re-evaluated for effectiveness. Cross-tabulations examined the relationship between sex, fit of clothing in the groin area, a history of tinea of the feet, how often subjects laundered their linen and the practice of sharing linen and whether the subjects had or had not had tinea cruris. Statistically significant differences between those reporting tinea cruris and those not reporting it were found for sex, fit of clothing in the groin area and those with a history of tinea pedis with males, those reporting other than loose fitting clothing in the groin area and those with a history of tinea pedis reporting greater prevalence of tinea cruris. These findings were consistent with the literature which states that tinea is more prevalent in males, that occulsive clothing may increase the subjects risk for jock itch and that often discrete nail involvement exists in those patients with tinea cruris. The results of this study support the need for nurses to be actively seeking to educate clients about risk factors for tinea cruris and disease prevention. This will allow clients who choose to be involved in their health care to make educated decisions about the prevention and treatment of disease.