Prevalence and determinants of tinea pedis among patients attending a dermatovenereology outpatient clinic in Northwest Ethiopia: an institutional-based cross-sectional study

Tinea pedis is a common fungal infection that affects the skin between the toes and the soles of the feet. It is mostly seen in male individuals who wear closed-toe shoes and have poor hygiene practices. Additionally, individuals with underlying medical conditions such as diabetes or immunosuppression were also at higher risk of developing the fungal infection. To determine the prevalence and factors associated with tinea pedis at University of Gondar Comprehensive and Specialized Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia, 2024. An institution-based, prospective cross-sectional study with a systematic random sampling technique was carried out among 396 patients attending the dermatology outpatient department at the University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital from October to December 2024. Data was collected by using a semi-structured interviewer-administered questionnaire. The collected data were checked, coded, and entered into EPI Info version 7 and analyzed using Statistical package for the social sciences (SPSS) version 25. Both bivariable and multivariable logistic regression were used for data analysis. Independent variables having a P-value < 0.25 in bivariable analysis were entered into multivariable logistic regression for further analysis and to adjust for confounding variables. In multivariable analysis, statistical significance was considered at P < 0.05, and the adjusted odds ratio (AOR) was used to assess the strength of association with its 95% confidence interval. A total of 396 respondents participated in this study with a response rate of 93.84%. Of the total respondents, the overall prevalence of tinea pedis in this study is 26% (95% CI: 21.7–30.1). In multivariable logistic regression analysis, variables such as being male 3.98 times [AOR: 3.98, 95% CI, (1.61, 9.81)], wearing occlusive shoes 6.64 times [AOR: 6.64, 95% CI, (3.10, 14.21)], excessive sweating 5.44 times [AOR: 5.44, 95% CI, (2.72, 10.89)], presence of chronic disease7.32 times [AOR: 7.32, 95% CI (2.96, 18.0)], and the number of foot baths per week 3.86 times [AOR: 3.86, 95% CI, (1.52, 9.79)] were significantly associated with tinea pedis. The overall prevalence of tinea pedis in this study was 26%. Variables such as gender, frequency of foot bath per week, habit of wearing occlusive shoes, sweating excessively, and having a chronic disease were significantly associated with tinea pedis. We recommended concerned bodies to create awareness, provide health education, and give close follow-up and appropriate intervention to prevent recurrences and prevent devastating complications for high-risk patients like those with diabetes. In addition, we recommend that future researchers investigate cases using laboratory investigations like direct wet mount microscopy with 10% Potassium Hydroxide solution, fungal culture tests, and even fluorescent studies.