A community-based survey on Scabies: awareness, prevalence and prevention

Abstract

Scabies is a highly contagious parasitic skin infection caused by Sarcoptes scabiei var. Hominis, one of the most important neglected tropical diseases, mostly affects populations living in low- and middle-income countries. The purpose of the present investigation was to assess the prevalence, knowledge, hygiene practices, treatment-seeking behaviour, and quality-of-life consequences related to scabies among those affected by the disease. A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among 75 participants who were reached using both online and offline structured questionnaires. Limits set the inclusion criteria to cases with physician-diagnosed cases. The instrument obtained demographic information, knowledge on scabies, personal hygiene practices, treatment modalities and environmental risk assessment. Data were subjected to a descriptive statistical analysis. The majority of the respondents were female (63%) and aged in the age group between 21 and 30 years (83.6%), with the majority of them residing in urban settings (75.3%) and living in a family unit. Overall, 83.6% of subjects correctly pointed out that scabies is a contagious disease, and 86.3% said they suffer intense itching at night. Nevertheless, 23.3% of respondents did not seek medical care, which emphasizes a deficiency in treatment-seeking behaviour. The peak period of the outbreak of this disease is in the summer (46.4%), thus showing the importance of the environmental factors. Most participants (71.2%) also reported that they were affected by scabies only once, and most were treated by permethrin (5% cream, 61.6%), which was considered affordable and well tolerated. The results show that reducing negative stigma, promoting early diagnosis, ensuring proper treatment and encouraging better hygiene practices are needed for the better effective control of scabies through educational as well as awareness programmes.