Published 2025-07-01
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Research Article (before OJS)

Prevalence and associated factors of superficial mycoses on the athlete’s foot of martial arts in Tunja, Boyacá

DOI: https://doi.org/10.22490/24629448.10153
Jeniffer Paola Colmenares Triana Universidad de Boyaca
Nadia Catalina Alfonso Vargas Universidad de Boyaca
Astrid Maribel Aguilera Becerra Universidad de Boyaca

Introduction. Superficial mycoses are infections caused by fungi that affect the skin, nails, and hair. Their prevalence is high among athletes due to conditions such as hu midity, heat, perspiration, and physical contact, which can impact both their health and performance.

Objective. To determine the presence of superficial mycoses and identify associated factors in athletes from a martial arts academy in Tunja, Boyacá.

Methods. Analytical cross-sectional study conducted with 42 athletes over 18 years old. A clinical-epidemiological survey was applied, and 46 samples of interdigital scales and toe nails were collected. Direct examinations with potassium hydroxide (KOH) and cultures on potato dextrose agar (PDA) with chloramphenicol were performed. Prevalence ratios and 95% confidence intervals were used for statistical analysis.

Results. The prevalence of mycoses was 60,86% (28/40, CI 56–75%). The most frequent clinical forms were interdi gital tinea pedis (92,9%) and onychomycosis (28,6%). A total of 58 etiological agents were isolated, with Trichophyton rubrum being the most common. A significant association was found between the presence of mycoses and shared use of sports equipment (PR 2,26; CI 1,17–4,34), training for more than one year (PR 1,50; CI 1,02–2,21), sessions longer than two hours (PR 1,63; CI 1,09–2,43), and living with pets (PR 1,64; CI 1,01–2,65).

Conclusion. Superficial mycoses are common among martial arts athletes, favored by environmental factors and habits that increase exposure. It is necessary to promote preventive and hygiene strategies to reduce their incidence in this population group. 

keywords: Dermatophytosis, Athlete’s Foot, Onychomycosis, Athletes
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How to Cite

Colmenares Triana, J. P., Alfonso Vargas, N. C., & Aguilera Becerra, A. M. (2025). Prevalence and associated factors of superficial mycoses on the athlete’s foot of martial arts in Tunja, Boyacá. NOVA Biomedical Sciences Journal, 23(45), 140-152. https://doi.org/10.22490/24629448.10153
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