ABSTRACT
Introduction:
Superficial mycosis is one of the most common
diseases worldwide; however, its
epidemiology is changing over
time.
Aim:
To present the
awareness of people using
swimming pools about
athlete's foot and
onychomycosis. Material and
methods:
A total of 690 participants were subjected to an extensive
survey administered via Google
Documents. The
questionnaire consisted of 30 online polling items and aimed to evaluate
respondents'
knowledge pertaining to
fungal infections, encompassing aspects such as prevention
strategies,
disease trajectory, and
therapeutic modalities. The
survey sample specifically encompassed
students and
sports enthusiasts associated with 33
Internet groups, and
data collection transpired during the period spanning 12 January to 15 March, 2018, predating the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Results:
In the study, 85.2% of participants regularly inspected their
feet, with 4.8% seeking podiatric services. While 75.2% demonstrated hygienic behaviour by changing towels after each pool visit, 41.4% acknowledged sharing
nail tools. Notably, 75.7% preferred professional assistance for symptoms, with 24.3% opting for
home remedies.
Gender disparities were evident, with
women showing significantly better
hygiene practices and pool usage than
men (p < 0.001).
Women also exhibited a stronger tendency to disinfect
grooming tools and prioritise
sterility during beautician services (p < 0.001). These findings emphasise the importance of
gender-specific
health behaviour
analysis in promoting preventive
measures.
Conclusions:
The study highlights
onychomycosis as a significant societal concern. Pre-COVID-19,
awareness among municipal
swimming pool users regarding prevention, symptoms, and
treatment of
athlete's foot and
onychomycosis was insufficient.
