Abstract
Scabies has been listed as one of the Neglected Tropical Diseases. Therefore, this study aimed at estimating the prevalence of Scabies among Secondary School Students in Anambra State, Nigeria. A survey of Scabies infection was conducted in fifty (50) randomly selected secondary schools in the three geographical zones of Anambra State, Nigeria. A well-structured questionnaire was employed to elucidate information on age, sex and also on knowledge, attitude and perception (KAP). Focus group discussions, direct clinical observations and microscopic examinations using the skin scraping test method for the confirmation of scabies infestation were also employed. Data analysis was done using a statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) version 23 and Microsoft Excel version 16. Out of the five thousand (5000) students examined 500 (10.0%) were identified as positive from the research works, the sex-specific prevalent rate showed that 209 out of the 3000 females (6.97%) were positive while 291 out of the 2000 males (14.55%) were positive. The age-specific prevalence showed that age groups 10 to 12 years had the highest prevalence rate (29.0%) and 9.6% in both the male and female students respectively. The infectivity rate among urban and rural schools showed that rural students were more prone to scabies infections (14.12%) than their urban counterparts (5.88%) and the difference was statistically significant. The result of this study helped identify some students with Scabies infection in Anambra state Nigeria for appropriate treatment, prevention and control measures to curb the menace of Scabies infestation.
Highlights
Scabies is a common, contagious skin infestation occurring globally but more prevalent in developing countries [1]
Scabies affects more than 130 million people globally at any time and in 2010, it was estimated that the direct effects of infestation on the skin alone led to more than 1.5 million people living with disabilities (Amro et al, 2012)
A total number of five thousand (5000) students were examined for scabies infestation amongst the randomly selected secondary schools in the three Senatorial zones of Anambra State Nigeria
Summary
Contagious skin infestation occurring globally but more prevalent in developing countries [1]. It is an often neglected parasitic disease caused by infestation with the ectoparasitic mite, Sarcoptes scabei var. Hominis which is commonly known as itch mite. It burrows into the epidermis where it lays eggs and has the potentials of causing major public health problems, especially in resource-poor countries [1]. Outbreaks in the developed world amongst vulnerable communities and health institutions contribute a significant cost to the health services managing them while in developing countries; it contributes to disease burden from secondary infections and occurrence of complications such as acute post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis, septicemia and rheumatic heart disease [1]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: World Journal of Biology Pharmacy and Health Sciences
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
