Abstract: Objectives To explore the influencing factors of superficial mycoses in cadets of a military academy. Methods Cadets were screened with a physical and microscopic examination. A questionnaire survey was carried out during the examination. The cadets who were suffering from or had a history of superficial fungal infections completed the questionnaire on site. Chi-square tests and binary logistic regression were used to analyze the risk factors of superficial mycoses. Results A total of 1733 valid questionnaires were retrieved. The overall prevalence of superficial mycoses was 10.73%(n=186) in cadets after enrolment. Tinea pedis accounted for the highest proportion (79.03%). Univariate analyses showed that the prevalence of superficial mycoses was correlated with age, the length of military service, family history of fungal diseases, whether suffering from superficial mycoses before enrolment. There were significant differences in the prevalence of superficial mycoses varied with the lifestyle factors, which were whether exchanging beddings with others, the habit of washing hands before and after meals, the frequency of changing socks, and the quality of sleep. The incidence of superficial mycoses was also correlated with the military training factors, which were whether having any other physical injuries due to training before the skin illness, whether excessive sweating frequently, the number of training shoes, and the amount of sweating during exercise. A multivariate analysis demonstrated that the length of military service, family history of fungal diseases, whether suffering from the superficial mycoses before enrolment and whether excessive sweating frequently were risk factors of superficial mycoses. Nevertheless, the frequency of changing socks and the quality of sleep were found to be protective against superficial fungal infections. A binary logistic regression model was established to predict the probability of superficial mycoses in cadets. Conclusions The incidence of superficial fungal infections was high in military cadets. It is of great significance to understand the influencing factors for popularizing knowledge of disease prevention and formulating scientific and effective treatment measures.

Key words: superficial mycoses, risk factors, cadets