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. 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. Descriptive and cross sectional study. This study was carried on patients who utilized services of LUH Skin OPD in Jamshoro from 1[st] February 2007 to 1[st] February 2008. Dermatology Out Patient Department of Liaquat University Hospital Jamshoro. 112 patients were included in study sample. 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 5062 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. 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