Determinants of Scabies among Primary School Children in Habru District: a Case-Control Study

Abstract

Background: Human scabies is a parasitic infection caused by Sarcoptes scabiei var hominis. Although affects all age groups; children are more vulnerable. In primary schools, scabies affects children's school regularity and performance. There is a gap of information on the determinants of scabies among primary school children in Ethiopia. The aim of the current study was to identify factors that determine scabies among primary school children in Habru district, North Wollo Zone, Amhara region, Ethiopia. Methods: Institution-based unmatched case-control study was conducted among primary school children. Three hundred (100 cases and 200 healthy controls) study participants were enrolled. Skin examination of scabies was done by trained health professionals. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analyzed by SPSS version 20 statistical software. Bivariate and multivariable analyses were used to identify factors that determine the dependent variable and statistical significance was declared at P value less than 0.05. Results: Sex, age, family size, family history of scabies, sharing of clothes with an infected person, previous history of scabies and number of sleeping rooms were found to be independent determinants of scabies. Male were more likely to have scabies (AOR= 7.5; 95% CI: 3.2, 24.4). Younger children were more prone to scabies. Children between 10-12 years of age (AOR= 8; 95%CI: 2.7, 24.2) were found to be the most affected age group followed by 13-15 years of age (AOR= 7.7; 95%CI: 2.6, 23.1). Other factors like family size ≥5 (AOR= 3.4; 95% CI: 1.5, 7.7), family history of scabies (AOR= 9.8; 95% CI: 3.9, 24.4), were also independent factors of having scabies. Conclusion: Being male, younger age group, family history of scabies, having more than five family members, having a smaller number of rooms, children’s previous history of scabies, and sharing of clothes were determinants of scabies among primary school children. Thus, the district health and education offices and the school community should work together to equip students and their families with scabies prevention and control strategies. Keywords: Ethiopia; Family Characteristics; Scabies; Sarcoptes scabiei; Primary School