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Joseph M, Mushi V, Palilo H, Silvestri V, Kinabo C, Mshana I, Chombo S, Ndaile I, Tarimo D. Prevalence of Sarcoptes scabiei infestation and its associated factors among primary school children: A school-based cross-sectional survey in the Rufiji district, Tanzania. IJID REGIONS 2024; 11:100365. [PMID: 38680841 PMCID: PMC11046246 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijregi.2024.100365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2024] [Revised: 04/03/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
Objectives This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of Sarcoptes scabiei infestation and its associated factors among primary school children (PSC) in the Rufiji district. Methods A quantitative school-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 447 PSC in the Rufiji district. The prevalence of scabies among PSC was determined by clinical examination and by microscopic examination of skin samples for the presence of S. scabiei. A structured questionnaire was used to gather data on factors associated with S. scabiei infestation. Descriptive analysis, Fisher's exact, chi-square tests, and logistic regression analysis were used to analyze the data. Results The prevalence of scabies was 2.0%. Of the assessed factors, only physical contact with a person having itchy skin lesions (Adjusted Odds Ratio [AOR]=4.04, 95%CI 4.39-12.50) and infrequency of changing clothes before laundry (AOR=2.99, 95%CI 1.35-4.94) were significantly associated with scabies. The majority of participants demonstrated low levels of knowledge, with half exhibiting poor attitudes and inappropriate healthcare-seeking behaviors. Conclusions There was an ongoing transmission of scabies among PSC in the Rufiji district, with the factors associated with the transmission being physical contact with a person who had an itchy skin lesion and the infrequency of changing clothes before laundry. Therefore, there is a need for regular clinical screening and treatment of positive cases with preventive measures on contact and provision of health education.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary Joseph
- Department of Parasitology and Medical Entomology, School of Public Health and Social Sciences, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Vivian Mushi
- Department of Parasitology and Medical Entomology, School of Public Health and Social Sciences, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
- Department of Zoology and Wildlife Conservation, College of Natural and Applied Sciences, University of Dar es Salaam, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Hoseenu Palilo
- Department of Parasitology and Medical Entomology, School of Public Health and Social Sciences, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Valeria Silvestri
- Department of Parasitology and Medical Entomology, School of Public Health and Social Sciences, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Clemence Kinabo
- Department of Parasitology and Medical Entomology, School of Public Health and Social Sciences, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Irene Mshana
- Central Pathology Laboratory, Muhimbili National Hospital, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Suleiman Chombo
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, School of Public Health and Social Sciences, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Ismail Ndaile
- Department of Community Health, School of Public Health and Social Sciences, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Donath Tarimo
- Department of Parasitology and Medical Entomology, School of Public Health and Social Sciences, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
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Jira SC, Matlhaba KL, Mphuthi DD. Healthcare users' knowledge and experiences regarding the management of scabies in the Deder district, Ethiopia. J Public Health Afr 2023; 14:2305. [PMID: 38162325 PMCID: PMC10755506 DOI: 10.4081/jphia.2023.2305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 02/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Scabies is an ectoparasitic, highly contagious skin disease caused by a human itch mite infestation of the skin, and it is the leading cause of morbidity and disease burden in developing countries. The purpose of this study was to investigate healthcare users' current knowledge and experiences with scabies management provided at primary healthcare facilities. MATERIALS AND METHODS A qualitative research design was used to address the research objectives. Focus group interviews with 58 health care users were used to collect data. Thematic analysis was performed on the verbatim transcriptions using Tesch's approach. RESULTS The findings showed that the knowledge of healthcare users who participated in the study on scabies, its management, prevention, and control was limited. Health care users experience different challenges regarding scabies and the management thereof. Five themes emerged after data analysis. These were knowledge regarding scabies, knowledge regarding the management of scabies, knowledge regarding the prevention of scabies, perceptions regarding receiving treatment for scabies, and recommendations regarding the availability of materials and medication. CONCLUSIONS Healthcare users in the area had limited knowledge and experienced different challenges regarding scabies and their management. These challenges contribute to low-quality health services with undesirable health outcomes. To narrow this gap, consistent and programed health education was provided to the community through different modalities by using the existing health system to increase awareness regarding scabies. Following the implementation of community awareness, each community member was positioned to prevent and control scabies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sagni Challi Jira
- Department of Malaria and Neglected Tropical Disease, Armauer Hansen Research Institute, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | | | - David Ditaba Mphuthi
- Department of Health Studies, University of South Africa, Pretoria, South Africa
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Current and future strategies against cutaneous parasites. Pharm Res 2022; 39:631-651. [PMID: 35313360 PMCID: PMC9090711 DOI: 10.1007/s11095-022-03232-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/10/2022] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Cutaneous parasites are identified by their specific cutaneous symptoms which are elicited based on the parasite's interactions with the host. Standard anti-parasitic treatments primarily focus on the use of specific drugs to disrupt the regular function of the target parasite. In cases where secondary infections are induced by the parasite itself, antibiotics may also be used in tandem with the primary treatment to deal with the infection. Whilst drug-based treatments are highly effective, the development of resistance by bacteria and parasites, is increasingly prevalent in the modern day, thus requiring the development of non-drug based anti-parasitic strategies. Cutaneous parasites vary significantly in terms of the non-systemic methods that are required to deal with them. The main factors that need to be considered are the specifically elicited cutaneous symptoms and the relative cutaneous depth in which the parasites typically reside in. Due to the various differences in their migratory nature, certain cutaneous strategies are only viable for specific parasites, which then leads to the idea of developing an all-encompassing anti-parasitic strategy that works specifically against cutaneous parasites. The main benefit of this would be the overall time saved in regards to the period that is needed for accurate diagnosis of parasite, coupled with the prescription and application of the appropriate treatment based on the diagnosis. This review will assess the currently identified cutaneous parasites, detailing their life cycles which will allow for the identification of certain areas that could be exploited for the facilitation of cutaneous anti-parasitic treatment.
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Seetan K, Rashdan Y, Alsharei A, Al Bashir S, Al Madani A, Alqa'dan M, Al Momani A, Al Samarah H. Impact of socio-demographic factors on knowledge, attitude and practices toward scabies among syrian refugees in Jordan: A prospective cross sectional study. Ann Med Surg (Lond) 2021; 69:102738. [PMID: 34471529 PMCID: PMC8387899 DOI: 10.1016/j.amsu.2021.102738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2021] [Revised: 08/13/2021] [Accepted: 08/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Scabies is one of the prevalent dermatological conditions, accounting for a substantial proportion of skin diseases in developing countries. It represents a significant health challenge when an outbreak appears in homecare and refugee camps as it may lead to enormous morbidity and high treatment costs. Because Scabies can be easily prevented through education, the purpose of this study was to assess the impact of socio-demographic factors on the level of knowledge, attitude, and practices among Syrian refugees in Jordan's northern region. Methods A prospective cross-sectional study was conducted among Syrian refugees attending primary health centers in northern Jordan, Ramtha, Mafraq, and Irbid, from February 2021 to May 2021. The targeted population was adult Syrian refugees above the age of 18. Two thousand participants were included in this study using simple random selection. The study questionnaire included socio-demographic characteristics and knowledge questions such as hearing about Scabies, causes of Scabies, signs and symptoms of Scabies, and its way of transmission. The data was analyzed using (SPSS) version 25. Results Females with a mean age of 37.9 years old comprised the majority of the participants. The majority of the participants were married and had intermediate levels of education. The knowledge about Scabies lacked among the majority of the respondents (N = 1259); 321 respondents had moderate knowledge, while only 650 had good knowledge. A statistically significant association was found between knowledge scores and all demographic characteristics, including gender, marital status, income, and educational level. Conclusion The general knowledge about Scabies among Syrian refugees is relatively low, with 1259 out of 2000 participants having a bad knowledge score. Moreover, the level of knowledge, attitude, and practices toward Scabies is highly affected by the demographic factors of the Syrian refugees' Health education for refugees is needed to improve their knowledge and help implement prevention programs. Scabies is quite a common medical problem among Syrian Refugees in Jordan. The socio-demographics of Syrian Refugees affect the level of knowledge and attitude toward scabies infestation. The level of knowledge regarding scabies infestation is poor among Syrian Refugees in Jordan. Health education for refugees is needed to improve their knowledge and help implement prevention programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khaled Seetan
- Department of clinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Yarmouk University, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Yasser Rashdan
- Department of clinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Yarmouk University, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Adel Alsharei
- Department of clinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Yarmouk University, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Sharaf Al Bashir
- Department of clinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Yarmouk University, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Abdallah Al Madani
- Department of clinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Yarmouk University, Irbid, Jordan
| | | | | | - Hashem Al Samarah
- Faculty of Medicine, Jordan University of science and technology, Irbid, Jordan
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Alharthi AS, Alsofyani MA, Alharthi WK, Alsalmi SA, Altalhi AS, Alswat KA. Assessment of Knowledge and Fear of Scabies in a Saudi Population. J Multidiscip Healthc 2021; 14:1361-1371. [PMID: 34135594 PMCID: PMC8197587 DOI: 10.2147/jmdh.s308236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2021] [Accepted: 05/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Objectives Scabies is a common contagious parasitic dermatological illness. In 2017, WHO recognized scabies as a neglected tropical disease. The aim of the present research was to assess the level of knowledge and fear of scabies among the Saudi population. Methods This is a cross-sectional online study conducted in the western region of Saudi Arabia from January to September 2019. We used a validated, 12-questions questionnaire to assess the scabies knowledge and the Fear of Scabies Scale-10 (FSS-10) to determine the level of fear toward scabies. Results A total of 3778 respondents were included with majorities of them being female and between the age of 15-30 years. About 93.3% of the respondents were considered to have good level of knowledge towards scabies and those were more likely to be females, live in an urban area, have heard about scabies in the past, younger in age, achieved higher educational level, and work for the medical and general education sector (all P <0.001). The total possible scores ranging from 10 (less fear) to 40 (greater fear). The mean total FSS-10 score was 33 ± 4.46 with 58.3% of them were considered to have greater fear and those were more likely to be female, younger in age, educated with higher educational degree, work for the general education sector and medical and, but less likely to be unemployed (all P <0.001). Partial correlation adjusting for potential confounders showed significant positive correlation between FSS-10 score and the scabies knowledge score (r = 0.152, P <0.001). Conclusion Despite the good level of scabies knowledge, the level of fear towards scabies is high. Further educational programs recommended decreasing the negative effect of scabies on the community and the individuals' quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmad S Alharthi
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Taif University, Taif, Saudi Arabia
| | | | | | | | | | - Khaled A Alswat
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Taif University, Taif, Saudi Arabia
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Mendizábal-Cabrera R, Pérez I, Becerril Montekio V, Pérez F, Durán E, Trueba ML. Cutaneous leishmaniasis control in Alta Verapaz (northern Guatemala): evaluating current efforts through stakeholders' experiences. Infect Dis Poverty 2021; 10:61. [PMID: 33962699 PMCID: PMC8106169 DOI: 10.1186/s40249-021-00842-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2020] [Accepted: 04/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL), endemic in Guatemala, mostly affects poor people living in the northern region. A national control program that includes surveillance, diagnose, and treatment offered free of cost by the Ministry of Health (MoH) has been in place since 2003. However, the incidence is increasing and treatment rates are not optimal, suggesting that current efforts are not being effective. This study aimed to understand barriers and facilitators of CL control in Guatemala as experienced and perceived by key stakeholders in order to comprehend what works well and does not and suggest evidence-informed interventions. Methods The study was conducted in the Cobán municipality, the most endemic of Guatemala, situated in the Department of Alta Verapaz. Data were collected during May and June 2019 via focus groups and semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders, including local and national health personnel and residents of four communities of the endemic region. Thematic and content analysis of the collected data was conducted using NVIVO. Results Three overarching issues hamper the effectiveness of current CL efforts: resource scarcity, treatment challenges, and knowledge-action gaps. Scarce economic resources from the MoH and community residents negatively impact incidence, detection of cases and treatment rates in that preventive action is insufficient and healthcare access is low. In addition, local health workers often lack specialized CL training and access to the national CL control guidelines. With regards to the population living in the study area, misunderstanding of disease causation, shame associated with CL lesions, treatment pain fear, and long (often uncertain) waiting times for diagnose and treatment negatively affect people’s willingness to seek help, treatment adherence, and their trust on the healthcare provided. Conclusions Culturally sensitive CL preventive action must be developed. Given the scarce economic resources available for CL control in the country, the involvement of trained community health workers and the inclusion of thermotherapy as a treatment option is also advised. Other cost-effective actions include: ensuring all health workers receive CL training and have access to national CL control guidelines, improving national procurement system to avoid treatment shortages, and provision of motorized vehicles to increase active surveillance and treatment rates. Graphical abstract ![]()
Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s40249-021-00842-3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renata Mendizábal-Cabrera
- Center for Health Studies (CHS), Universidad del Valle de Guatemala (UVG), 18 Avenida 11-95, zona 15, V.H.3, Guatemala City, Guatemala.
| | - Isabel Pérez
- Center for Health Studies (CHS), Universidad del Valle de Guatemala (UVG), 18 Avenida 11-95, zona 15, V.H.3, Guatemala City, Guatemala
| | | | - Freddy Pérez
- Communicable Diseases and Environmental Determinants of Health Department, Pan American Health Organization, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Erick Durán
- Leishmaniasis Sub-Program, National Ministry of Health of Guatemala, Guatemala City, Guatemala
| | - Mei L Trueba
- Department of Global Health and Infection (GHI), Brighton and Sussex Medical School (BSMS), University of Sussex, Brighton, UK.
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Mitchell E, Bell S, Thean LJ, Sahukhan A, Kama M, Koroivueti A, Kaldor J, Steer A, Romani L. Community perspectives on scabies, impetigo and mass drug administration in Fiji: A qualitative study. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2020; 14:e0008825. [PMID: 33275592 PMCID: PMC7744044 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0008825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2020] [Revised: 12/16/2020] [Accepted: 09/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Scabies is endemic in Fiji and is a significant cause of morbidity. Little is known about the sociocultural beliefs and practices that affect the occurrence of scabies and impetigo, or community attitudes towards the strategy of mass drug administration that is emerging as a public health option for scabies and impetigo control in Fiji and other countries. Data were collected during semi-structured interviews with 33 community members in four locations in Fiji’s Northern Division. Thematic analysis examined participants’ lived experiences of scabies and impetigo; community knowledge and perceptions about scabies and impetigo aetiology and transmission; community-based treatment and prevention measures; and attitudes towards mass drug administration. Many indigenous Fijian (iTaukei) participants noted extensive and ongoing experience of scabies and impetigo among children in their families and communities, but only one participant of Indian descent (Indo-Fijian) identified personal childhood experience of scabies. Scabies and impetigo were perceived as diseases affecting children, impacting on school attendance and families’ quality of sleep. Awareness of scabies and impetigo was considerable, but there were major misconceptions around disease causation and transmission. Traditional remedies were preferred for scabies treatment, followed by biomedicines provided by local health centres and hospitals. Treatment of close household contacts was not prioritised. Attitudes towards mass drug administration to control scabies were mostly positive, although some concerns were noted about adverse effects and hesitation to participate in the planned scabies elimination programme. Findings from this first study to document perspectives and experiences related to scabies and impetigo and their management in the Asia Pacific region illustrate that a community-centred approach to scabies and impetigo is needed for the success of control efforts in Fiji, and most likely in other affected countries. This includes community-based health promotion messaging on the social dynamics of scabies transmission, and a campaign of education and community engagement prior to mass drug administration. Scabies is a skin disease causing discomfort from severe itchiness. It can lead to secondary bacterial infection of the skin (impetigo) that can in turn lead to systemic complications, including septicaemia, kidney disease and rheumatic heart disease. It can also cause sleep disorders and a reduced quality of life. Recently added to the World Health Organization list of neglected tropical diseases, scabies is estimated to affect 150 million people globally each year and is endemic in many Pacific Island countries, including Fiji. We aimed to increase understanding of community beliefs and practices that affect the occurrence of scabies and impetigo, and assess community attitudes towards the use of mass drug administration for scabies and impetigo control in Fiji. The impact of scabies and impetigo on participants’ quality of life included poor sleep quality, school absenteeism and social isolation, especially among children. Participants had awareness of scabies and impetigo, however, misconceptions around the cause and the ways in which these diseases were transmitted between individuals were common. Participants often reported choosing traditional medical remedies to treat scabies; treatment at health centres was mainly sought for secondary skin infections. Attitudes towards mass drug administration were positive, although some concerns regarding adverse effects were noted. Improved strategies, including a community-centred response, are needed for the success of control efforts in Fiji.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elke Mitchell
- Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- * E-mail: (EM); (LR)
| | - Stephen Bell
- Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Centre for Social Research in Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Li Jun Thean
- Tropical Diseases Group, Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | | | - Mike Kama
- Ministry of Health and Medical Services, Suva, Fiji
| | | | - John Kaldor
- Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Andrew Steer
- Tropical Diseases Group, Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Melbourne Children’s Global Health, Melbourne Children’s Campus, The Royal Children’s Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Lucia Romani
- Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Tropical Diseases Group, Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- * E-mail: (EM); (LR)
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Prevalence of scabies in long-term care hospitals in South Korea. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2020; 14:e0008554. [PMID: 32810163 PMCID: PMC7433867 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0008554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2020] [Accepted: 07/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Scabies is a common contagious skin disease. With the economic growth in South Korea, the incidence of scabies has decreased. However, with the recent advancements in medical facilities, mainly the establishment of long-term care hospitals (LTCHs), scabies is now considered an emerging public health problem. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS To examine the prevalence and management of scabies in LTCHs in South Korea, we contacted all 1,336 LTCHs registered at the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service in South Korea in 2018. A total of 110 LTCHs completed a questionnaire, and we analyzed their responses. In the last 5 years, 71.8% (79/110) of LTCHs had a high incidence of scabies (suspected/confirmed cases). Usually, patients aged older than 80 years (45.5%) were diagnosed with the disease, with more women being affected than men. Only 30.0% of the patients were transferred to scabies-restricted rooms, and very few LTCHs (7.0%) had special departments for scabies. Fifty-five (61.1%) of 90 LTCHs reported contact between scabies patients and nurses, nurse aides, caregivers, and other employees (hereinafter, referred to as primary exposure), with 29 (32.2%) LTCHs reporting infections due to primary exposure. The most common challenges in managing scabies were patient isolation (47.8%), diagnosis (31.1%), management of individuals exposed to an individual with scabies (17.8%), lack of staff for managing the patients (16.7%), and treatment (11.1%). CONCLUSIONS The incidence rate of scabies in LTCHs in South Korea has increased. Regular and enhanced staff training is needed, considering that most hospitals rarely focused on the handling of equipment and furniture used by scabies patients and on educating their healthcare staff. These findings can be used to develop various strategies to reduce the prevalence of scabies.
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