Assessment of Clinical Profile and Impact of Different Risk Factors among Scabietic Children at Teaching Hospital

Abstract

Background: Scabies is a common contagious skin disease caused by the mite Sarcoptes scabiei. It is transmitted mainly through prolonged skin-to-skin contact and is highly prevalent among children. In India, scabies continues to be an important public health problem, especially among school-going children living in overcrowded and low socio-economic settings. Due to its association with poor hygiene, poverty and lack of awareness, scabies is considered a neglected tropical disease. School children are particularly vulnerable because of close contact with peers, shared belongings and limited understanding of personal hygiene. Understanding the prevalence and risk factors of scabies among school children is essential for planning effective preventive and control measures. The present study was conducted to assess prevalence and risk factors for scabies in school children.

Materials & Methods: 350 school children of both genders were selected. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect data. The questionnaire included variables related to socio-demographics. Parents provided information about their socioeconomic status and housing conditions via a separate questionnaire.

Results: There were 170 males and 180 females. There were 210 students from private and 140 from government school. Socio-economic status was upper and upper middle in 90, lower middle in 160, upper lower in 44 and lower in 56 children. The difference was significant (P< 0.05). Clinical features were itching seen in 82%, night aggravation in 81% and skin lesions in 73% patients. Family history was present in 80%, past history in 30% and secondary infection in 35% patients. The difference was significant (P< 0.05). Out of 350 patients, scabies was seen in 200 (90 males and 110 females). Risk factors for scabies was private school, lower socio-economic status, absence of cross ventilation, hut house, and overcrowding. The difference was significant (P< 0.05).

Conclusion: There was high prevalence of scabies in school children. Risk factors for scabies was private school, lower socio-economic status, absence of cross ventilation, hut house, and overcrowding.