Prevalence of scabies among school-aged children in Katanga rural community in Kaduna state, Northwestern Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Scabies is a common parasitic infestation of global proportion. It is a highly contagious skin disease which affects both males and females of all socioeconomic status and race. It is related primarily to poverty and overcrowding, which is also found in most rural communities. This study aimed at assessing the prevalence of scabies among school-aged children in Katanga community. Materials and Methods: In a descriptive cross-sectional study, pre-tested semi-structured questionnaire was administered to 206 school children aged 5-12 years through a total population study in Katanga rural community. Data collected were analyzed using SPSS version 17. Results: In this study, 45 (21.8%) children had skin infections, 33 (73.3%) of these skin infections were associated with itching and 6 cases of scabies were found giving a prevalence rate of 2.9% in the community. Conclusion: This study has shown that scabies is a disease associated with poverty, overcrowding, and sometimes water shortage, and is still endemic in rural communities in Northern Nigeria causing a substantial burden. These findings, coupled with the potential for clinical complications and a heavy socioeconomic impact, suggest that it is time for more concerted actions in terms of provision of adequate domestic water supply and improvement of personal and environmental hygiene against this disease in Nigeria.