Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of Demodex spp. in college students, mostly adolescent individuals.
Methods: A questionnaire including questions about the risk factors of Demodex spp. was administered to college students. Samples were taken with Standard Superficial Skin Biopsy method and examined under light microscope.
Results: Presence of Demodex spp. was detected in 160 (42.7%) students out of 375 totally; 126 out of 291 nursing students (43.3%) and 34 out of 84 midwifery students (40.5%). It was detected in 47.3% of males and 40.2% of females. There was a statistically significant difference in terms of the prevalence of Demodex spp. between those who used foundation cream/make-up products and those who did not, and between those who removed hair and those who did not (p<0.05). There was no relationship between other variables and Demodex spp. prevalence.
Conclusion: It is concluded that Demodex spp. is very common among college students in Kars. Dermatologists should also consider the existence of Demodex spp. in the etiology and pathogenesis of dermatoses which develops in the facial region of individuals in this group of age.
Keywords: Demodex spp.; college students; epidemiology; Kars.