Scabies in Community of Jamshoro Hills

Abstract

Introduction: The Muslim Physician Avenzoar described itch mite (Acarus Scabiei) in the twelfth century. Problem is worldwide in superpower country like USA 5% to 10%children have Scabies. The   situation in other poor countries can be much worse. Frequent changes of underclothing and bedding are control measures of value.  

Objectives:  

1. To collect data on prevalence of Scabies infection in community residing in Jamshoro Hills
2. to record Socio-demographic character of patients of scabies
3. To recommend control and prevention strategies based on this research 

Study Design: Descriptive and cross sectional study.

Place and Duration of Study: This study was carried on patients who utilized services of LUH Skin OPD in Jamshoro from 1^st February 2007 to 1stFebruary 2008

Materials and Methods: Dermatology Out Patient Department of Liaquat University Hospital Jamshoro. 112 patients were included in study sample.

Results: :Study was conducted on  112 patients who utilized services of skin OPD at LUH  out of these 30(26.2%) were children  in the age group of 1-9 years, 38(33.9%) adolescents and teen angers in  age group of 10-19 years this was largest age group of scabies patients. while  infection was 10.7% to 5.4%  in   40-49 years age  and above  showing  low  prevalence. Regarding sex of patients suffering from scabies out of 112 patients the ratio of    male to female was 50:62   i.e.  50 (44.6 %) and 62  ( 55.4%.).This showed females suffered more.

the occupation of patients  showed strong association  with scabies diseases occurrence P<001 as out of total  112 patients   house wives were 26 (23.2%)    students 31(27.7%)  , laborer  15(13.4%)  children  33(29.5%)  office Job  7(6.3%) while education was not significant.

Conclusion: Study concludes that scabies is common in rural areas of Jamshoro in young age and teen agers.  Occupation wise   students and house wives had more scabies. Community based cheap treatment of sulphur ointment   programme supported by IEC material and free skin camps be promoted