Scabies: A neglected disease in human population of Loharpatty VDC, Mahottari District of Nepal

Abstract

Scabies is a common parasitic infestation caused by the mite, Sarcoptes scabiei var. hominis. It causes human mange and is epidemic. The present study was conducted from Dec 2007 to June 2008 using random sampling technique and the study area was Loharpatty VDC, Mahottari district Nepal. A total of 450 people were surveyed for mites infestation. The information of participating respondents was collected by filling up the questionnaire. The clinical examination with the help of medical officer revealed 23 Scabies infestation positive cases out of 450 respondents i.e. 5.11% (23/450). The highest Scabies infestation was found in the age group ≤10 years i.e. 2.66 % (12/450) while least in the age groups 41-50 and 51-60 years i.e. 0.22% (1/450) and 0.22 % (1/450) respectively. Regarding sex-wise infestation of Scabies, male were more infested i.e. 3.81% (17/450) than that of females i.e. 1.34 % (6/450). The greater Scabies infestation was found in Primary School students i.e. 2.22% (10/450), minimum in non-formal education i.e.0.45 % (2/450) and no infestation in respondents with higher education. Regarding occupation, students were more infested i.e. 3.11% (14/450) than others, farmers 0.71% (3/450), labors 0.91% (4/450), house wives 0.51% (2/450) and no infestation in businessman and job holders. Mite infestation was higher i.e. 2.44 % (11/450) in those who did not take bath regularly and lower 0.44 % (2/450) in those who used to take bath regularly. Out of 64 households, 10.95% (7/64) families were infested with scabies. The determinant factors for the prevalence of Scabies were illiteracy, lack of awareness about the diseases, poor sanitation, irregular bathing and carelessness about their health. It seems that the mass awareness educational programme, through mass media, Radio, Television etc. regarding personal hygiene, awareness about diseases, sanitation is urgently needed in this rural community.

Key words Scabies, Sarcoptes scabiei, epidemic, infestation, prevalence, clinical, hygiene