FREQUENCY OF SCABIES IN CHILDREN, FACTORS AFFECTING RE- INFESTATION AND KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE & PRACTICES AMONG CAREGIVERS PRESENTING AT A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL OF ISLAMABAD

Abstract

For centuries, scabies has been a major concern of the human population. Globally, there are approximately 300 million cases diagnosed every year. Pakistan, being among the Southeast Asian countries with the highest burden of scabies in the world. In Pakistan, the absolute number of cases is likely to increase especially in children due to population growth and worsening poverty. This study was designed to calculate gender and age-segregated frequency of scabies among infants and children aged 0-14 years and to assess the knowledge, attitude, practices and health seeking behavior and factors causing its re-infestation of the general population and specific population sub groups regarding this disease.

The sample size for the study calculated was 358. Children were separated on gender basis into 3 age groups; the first group included the children with age 0-4 years, second group 5- 9 years and third group with 10-14 years of age. A Performa based on 30 questions, divided into five different aspects based on the socio-demographic status of the caregivers, their knowledge, attitude, practices and factors affecting re-infestation. After one month of data collection, the data was then analyzed to provide the frequency of children (X) identified with scabies (children aged ≤14 years) during 1 month.

About 112 (32%) out of 350 of the participant children were found to be affected with scabies. The main reason related to such situation was the respondents living in unhygienic environmental condition, which was one of the important factors for the prevalence of disease. The key finding of this study showed that more than 66% of the caregivers had knowledge about scabies. While there is, still a lot of work needed to be done regarding their attitude, practices to prevent the further spread of scabies. Lack of resources and low financial strength, unawareness about the factors leading to scabies re-infestation and, low education were among some of the factors responsible for observing unsatisfactory practices by the community.

The current study showed increase frequency of scabies among the study participants, which cannot be overlooked. From the data collection to its detailed analysis, most of the findings e.g unhygienic conditions, unawareness regarding the factors affecting re-infestation of the disease, overcrowding and contact with the infected person are the major contributing factors in the spread of disease. The disease frequency showed that the scabies involve children of all age groups regardless of the gender. Lack of knowledge in the respondents also is responsible for the spread of disease. In fact, it has become quite evident that the level of the public/community awareness about scabies was below satisfaction, which forces a need for planning a decisive and comprehensive community education policy for the control and prevention of scabies. Focused and targeted scabies control interventions should be implemented to increase the level of awareness and reduce stigma. Inter-sectorial coordination with all the stakeholders is necessary for effective control. Provision of adequate funds and resources would be needed to realize the goals set for scabies control.