frequency rate of scabies and its associated demographic factors in kazerun, Fars province, Iran

ABSTRACT

Scabies is one of the most common causes of itching dermatosis in the world. This disease is caused by Sarcopetes scabiei. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of scabies and demographic factors affecting it, such as age, gender, residence, education and occupation in patients of health centers in the county during 1998-2006. This study was conducted as a descriptive cross-sectional study. The necessary information included positive cases of disease and effective demographic factors such as age, gender, occupation, education and residence using the contents recorded in health centers of the county. Fifty one out of total 203 suspected cases were positive. The most positive cases were observed in males in age group of 16-25, soldiers, low educated people [guidance school] and in urban areas. This study indicates the relationship between the prevalence of scabies in soldiers in the region according to the population density in the garrisons. It also revealed that the disease is significantly related to educational level, gender and occupation.