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Le B, Clarke NE, Hii SF, Byrne A, Khattak A, Lake S, Lazu E, Wickham S, Wand H, Olsen N, Zendejas-Heredia PA, Sokana O, Romani L, Engelman D, Nasi T, Boara D, Kaldor J, Steer A, Traub R, Nery SV. Effectiveness of one and two doses of ivermectin mass drug administration in reducing the prevalence and intensity of soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections in Western Province, Solomon Islands: a cluster-randomised, before-after analysis. THE LANCET REGIONAL HEALTH. WESTERN PACIFIC 2024; 42:100942. [PMID: 38357395 PMCID: PMC10865046 DOI: 10.1016/j.lanwpc.2023.100942] [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: 05/23/2023] [Revised: 07/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
Background Ivermectin mass drug administration (MDA) is effective for controlling onchocerciasis and scabies, with evidence supporting its role in some species of soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections. In the context of RISE, a cluster-randomised trial for scabies, this study evaluated the effectiveness of ivermectin MDA in reducing STH burden in the Western Province of Solomon Islands. Methods Twenty villages were randomised 1:1 to receive ivermectin MDA as one dose (IVM-1) or two doses (IVM-2) for scabies. The effectiveness of one and two doses in reducing STH prevalence and intensity was evaluated before (May 2019) and 21 months after (February 2021) MDA in May 2019. All residents aged 12 months or older in the study villages were eligible to participate and provide stool specimens. Species-specific STH infection and intensity were assessed using quantitative PCR. We compared prevalence and intensity of infection between baseline and 21 months in each intervention arm individually using cluster-level analysis (adjusted for clustering) and individual-level analysis (adjusted for sex, age, and clustering). The primary outcomes were the prevalence risk difference (RD) from the cluster-level analysis, and the change in adjusted odds of infection from the individual-level analysis. Secondary outcomes included change in incident rates of mean eggs per gram (epg) of stool from baseline to 21 months, relative risk difference in prevalence and relative change in odds of infection between arms at 21 months. Sex data (male/female) were self-reported. Findings Overall, STH infection was assessed in 830 participants from 18 villages at baseline and 1172 from 20 villages at follow-up. Females represented 58% (n = 478) of the sample at baseline and 59% (n = 690) at follow-up. We observed a reduction in Strongyloides spp. prevalence following two doses of ivermectin MDA in the cluster-level analysis from 7.0% (32/458 participants) to 1.2% (8/674 participants), corresponding to a RD of -0.07 (95% CI -0.14 to -0.01, p = 0.036), and in the individual-level analysis (OR 0.11, 95% CI 0.04-0.33, p < 0.001). T. trichiura prevalence decreased following one dose from 19.4% (74/372 participants) to 11.7% (56/505 participants) (OR 0.44, 95% CI 0.26-0.73, p = 0.0040), while egg count reduced in both arms (IVM-1: IRR 0.28, 95% CI 0.11-0.70, p = 0.0070; IVM-2: IRR 0.18, 95% CI 0.08-0.40, p < 0.001), in the individual-level analysis. We did not detect a significant difference in effect measures between the one- and two-dose arms for any species after 21 months. Interpretation Our study highlights the long-term benefits of ivermectin MDA in reducing the burden of Strongyloides spp. and T. trichiura. STH control programs should leverage the geographical overlap of NTDs, existing drug distribution channels, and broad-spectrum agents. Funding The National Health and Medical Research Council of Australia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brandon Le
- The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Naomi E. Clarke
- The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Sze Fui Hii
- The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Aisling Byrne
- The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Alam Khattak
- The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Susanna Lake
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia
| | | | | | - Handan Wand
- The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Nick Olsen
- Stats Central, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | | | - Oliver Sokana
- Ministry of Health & Medical Services, Honiara, Solomon Islands
| | - Lucia Romani
- The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia
| | | | - Titus Nasi
- Ministry of Health & Medical Services, Honiara, Solomon Islands
| | | | - John Kaldor
- The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Andrew Steer
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia
| | | | - Susana Vaz Nery
- The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
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Schneider S, Wu J, Tizek L, Ziehfreund S, Zink A. Prevalence of scabies worldwide-An updated systematic literature review in 2022. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 2023; 37:1749-1757. [PMID: 37147907 DOI: 10.1111/jdv.19167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
Scabies is a World Health Organization-defined neglected tropical disease, with continuously rising incidence worldwide in recent years. The aim of this study was to provide an update of the worldwide prevalence and new treatment approaches of scabies in population-based settings. MEDLINE (PubMed), Embase and LILACS databases were reviewed for English and German language population-based studies from October 2014 to March 2022. Two authors independently screened the records for eligibility, extracted all data and one critically appraised the quality of the studies and risk of bias. Systematic review registration: PROSPERO CRD42021247140. Overall, 1273 records were identified through database searching, of which 43 studies were included for the systematic review. Most of the studies (n = 31) examined the scabies prevalence in medium or low human development index countries. The highest prevalence of scabies reported in the general population (children and adults) was recorded in five randomly selected communities in Ghana (71.0%), whereas the highest scabies prevalence in studies, which only examined children (76.9%), was recorded in an Indonesian boarding school. The lowest prevalence was recorded in Uganda (0.18%). The systematic review highlights the prevalence of scabies worldwide, showing that scabies is still a serious, increasing disease that occurs globally and is clustered in developing countries. More transparent data on scabies prevalence are needed to identify risk factors to find new prevention measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Schneider
- Department of Dermatology and Allergy, Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine, Munich, Germany
| | - J Wu
- Department of Dermatology and Allergy, Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine, Munich, Germany
| | - L Tizek
- Department of Dermatology and Allergy, Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine, Munich, Germany
| | - S Ziehfreund
- Department of Dermatology and Allergy, Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine, Munich, Germany
| | - A Zink
- Department of Dermatology and Allergy, Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine, Munich, Germany
- Division of Dermatology and Venereology, Department of Medicine Solna, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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Increased Scabies Incidence at the Beginning of the 21st Century: What Do Reports from Europe and the World Show? LIFE (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 12:life12101598. [PMID: 36295033 PMCID: PMC9604680 DOI: 10.3390/life12101598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2022] [Revised: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 10/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Reports from various countries have described increasing numbers of scabies cases, especially in the past two decades. The epidemiological data for various world regions showed prevalence estimates ranging from 0.2% to 71%, with the highest prevalence in the Pacific region and Latin America. Therefore, geographically, scabies occurs more commonly in the developing world, tropical climates, and in areas with a lack of access to water. According to results from specific regions of the world, the greatest burdens from scabies were recorded for East Asia, Southeast Asia, Oceania, tropical Latin America, and South Asia. Among countries with the highest rates, the top 10 were Indonesia, China, Timor-Leste, Vanuatu, Fiji, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Vietnam, and the Seychelles. From Europe, available data shows an increasing trend in scabies infestation, particularly evident among populations with associated contributing factors, such as those who travel frequently, refugees, asylum seekers, those who regularly lack drinking water and appropriate hygiene and are of a younger age, etc. This increase in observed cases in the last 10–20 years has been evidenced by research conducted in Germany, France, Norway, and Croatia, among other countries. In addition, increased scabies transmission was also recorded during the COVID-19 pandemic and may have been the result of increased sexual intercourse during that time. Despite all the available treatment options, scabies commonly goes unrecognized and is therefore not treated accordingly. This trend calls for a prompt and synergistic reaction from all healthcare professionals, governmental institutions, and non-governmental organizations, especially in settings where population migration is common and where living standards are low. Furthermore, the proper education of whole populations and accessible healthcare are cornerstones of outbreak prevention. Accurate national data and proper disease reporting should be a goal for every country worldwide when developing strategic plans for preventing and controlling the community spread of scabies.
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Scabies incidence and association with skin and soft tissue infection in Loyalty Islands Province, New Caledonia: A 15-year retrospective observational study using electronic health records. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2022; 16:e0010717. [PMID: 36067187 PMCID: PMC9481157 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0010717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2022] [Revised: 09/16/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Scabies and its complications are a public health problem in the low- and middle-income countries of the Western Pacific region. However, no data are available for the relatively wealthy French territory of New Caledonia. This study aimed to determine the incidence of scabies and its association with skin and soft tissue infection (SSTI) in Loyalty Islands Province (LIP) (20,000 inhabitants), New Caledonia. Methodology/Principal findings This retrospective observational study reviewed cases of scabies and SSTI extracted from the electronic health record databases of LIP clinics for the period 2004–2018. Data were validated through double sampling. The overall scabies incidence rate (IR) and scabies IRs by sex and age group were calculated. Scabies seasonality was evaluated. For children <5 years, the presence of SSTI was compared between the 3-month period preceding scabies diagnosis/treatment and the 3-month period preceding the 1-year anniversary of scabies diagnosis/treatment (self-matching). A total of 16,843 scabies cases were extracted using a detection algorithm with a sensitivity of 96.7% and a specificity of 99.9%. From 2004 to 2018, the average overall scabies IR was 5.9% and the average scabies IR in children <1 year was 18.4%. Almost two-thirds of children aged 14 years had a history of scabies. Females were more affected, especially in the 20–39 age group (sex ratio>2). A strong seasonality was observed, with a 30% increase in winter. In children <5 years, SSTIs were 4.3 times more frequent in the 3 months preceding the scabies diagnosis than in the 3 months preceding the 1-year anniversary of scabies treatment (p<0.001). Conclusions Although health care is much better in New Caledonia than in neighboring countries, scabies is highly endemic in LIP. The disease is especially common in children <2 years and is associated with many SSTIs in children <5 years. Mass drug administration should be considered. Scabies is a known public health problem in the Pacific region. This study aimed to determine the importance of scabies and associated skin infections in the Loyalty Island Province (LIP) of New Caledonia (20,000 inhabitants). The provincial electronic medical database was searched for all cases of scabies and skin infection that occurred in the LIP population between 2004 and 2018. To evaluate the impact of scabies on skin infections, we measured the decrease in the number of skin infections in children <5 years one year after scabies treatment. Over the study period, the average number of scabies cases occurring each year was 6 per 100 inhabitants. In children <1 year, this number was 18 per 100 inhabitants. We found that 80% of children aged 15 years had experienced at least one episode of scabies. We also observed a fourfold decrease in the number of skin infections in children <5 years 1 year after treatment. Scabies was more frequent (+30%) in winter.
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Tellioglu N, Chisholm RH, McVernon J, Geard N, Campbell PT. The efficacy of sampling strategies for estimating scabies prevalence. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2022; 16:e0010456. [PMID: 35679325 PMCID: PMC9216578 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0010456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Revised: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 04/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Estimating community level scabies prevalence is crucial for targeting interventions to areas of greatest need. The World Health Organisation recommends sampling at the unit of households or schools, but there is presently no standardised approach to scabies prevalence assessment. Consequently, a wide range of sampling sizes and methods have been used. As both prevalence and drivers of transmission vary across populations, there is a need to understand how sampling strategies for estimating scabies prevalence interact with local epidemiology to affect the accuracy of prevalence estimates. Methods We used a simulation-based approach to compare the efficacy of different scabies sampling strategies. First, we generated synthetic populations broadly representative of remote Australian Indigenous communities and assigned a scabies status to individuals to achieve a specified prevalence using different assumptions about scabies epidemiology. Second, we calculated an observed prevalence for different sampling methods and sizes. Results The distribution of prevalence in subpopulation groups can vary substantially when the underlying scabies assignment method changes. Across all of the scabies assignment methods combined, the simple random sampling method produces the narrowest 95% confidence interval for all sample sizes. The household sampling method introduces higher variance compared to simple random sampling when the assignment of scabies includes a household-specific component. The school sampling method overestimates community prevalence when the assignment of scabies includes an age-specific component. Discussion Our results indicate that there are interactions between transmission assumptions and surveillance strategies, emphasizing the need for understanding scabies transmission dynamics. We suggest using the simple random sampling method for estimating scabies prevalence. Our approach can be adapted to various populations and diseases. Scabies is a parasitic infestation that is commonly observed in disadvantaged populations. A wide range of sampling sizes and methods have been used to estimate scabies prevalence. With differing key drivers of transmission and varying prevalence across populations, it can be challenging to determine an effective sampling strategy. In this study, we propose a simulation approach to compare the efficacy of different sampling methods and sizes. First, we generate synthetic populations and then assign a scabies status to individuals to achieve a specified prevalence using different assumptions about scabies epidemiology. Second, we calculate an observed prevalence for different sampling methods and sizes. Our results indicate that there are interactions between transmission assumptions and surveillance strategies. We suggest using the simple random sampling method for estimating prevalence as it produces the narrowest 95% confidence interval for all sampling sizes. We propose guidelines for determining a sample size to achieve a desired level of precision in 95 out 100 samples, given estimates of the population size and a priori estimates of true prevalence. Our approach can be adapted to various populations, informing an appropriate sampling strategy for estimating scabies prevalence with confidence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nefel Tellioglu
- School of Computing and Information Systems, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Rebecca H. Chisholm
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Australia
- Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Jodie McVernon
- Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Infectious Diseases, University of Melbourne, at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Nicholas Geard
- School of Computing and Information Systems, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Patricia Therese Campbell
- Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Infectious Diseases, University of Melbourne, at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Australia
- * E-mail:
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Karaca Ural Z, Çatak B, Ağaoğlu E. Prevalence of Scabies in the Covid-19 Pandemic Period and Determination of Risk Factors for Scabies: a Hospital-Based Cross-Sectional Study in Northeast Turkey. Acta Parasitol 2022; 67:802-808. [PMID: 35107774 PMCID: PMC8807671 DOI: 10.1007/s11686-022-00524-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2021] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is an increase in the incidence of scabies in Turkey, which started before the Covid-19 pandemic, and this situation is considered as an epidemic. With this study, we aimed to reveal the prevalence of scabies during the pandemic period and the risk factors that are effective in the transmission of scabies. METHODS Our study was performed as a cross-sectional study in 376 patients who applied to our dermatology outpatient clinic between 1st and 30th April 2021. Sociodemographic and socioeconomic characteristics, living space, health behavior, and health care utilization of the patients were questioned. RESULTS The prevalence of scabies was determined as 10.9%. Features such as sex, area of residence, age, formal education status, employment status, total income, number of shower, number of people per room, water source, and heating method, which were found to be significant as a result of the double test, were included in the logistic regression analysis. Scabies was found 2.728 times (CI 1.325-5.557) more in those who live in rural areas than those who live in urban areas, 2.714 times (CI 1.365-5.451) more in men than women, 2.707 times (CI 1.256-5.833) more in nonworking than working, 2.354 times (CI 1.057-5.243) more in those with less than 9 showers per month than those with 9 or more showers per month. CONCLUSION During the Covid-19 pandemic period, the prevalence of scabies in Turkey is increasing and it is becoming a serious health problem. Our study emphasizes this increase and determines the risk factors for transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Z Karaca Ural
- Department of Dermatology, Kars Harakani State Hospital, Kars, Turkey.
| | - B Çatak
- Department of Public Health, School of Medicine, Kafkas University, Kars, Turkey
| | - E Ağaoğlu
- Department of Dermatology, Kars Harakani State Hospital, Kars, Turkey
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Tsoi SK, Lake SJ, Thean LJ, Matthews A, Sokana O, Kama M, Amaral S, Romani L, Whitfeld M, Francis JR, Vaz Nery S, Marks M, Kaldor JM, Steer AC, Engelman D. Estimation of scabies prevalence using simplified criteria and mapping procedures in three Pacific and southeast Asian countries. BMC Public Health 2021; 21:2060. [PMID: 34758806 PMCID: PMC8579609 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-021-12039-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Scabies causes considerable morbidity in disadvantaged populations. The International Alliance for the Control of Scabies (IACS) published consensus criteria in 2020 to standardize scabies diagnosis. However, these criteria are complex, and a WHO informal consultation proposed simplified criteria for mapping, to identify regions of high prevalence as targets for mass drug administration. We aimed to investigate the accuracy of simplified criteria in determining scabies prevalence, compared to the 2020 IACS criteria. Methods We obtained data relating to demographics, relevant history and skin lesions from all-age prevalence surveys from Fiji (n = 3365) and Solomon Islands (n = 5239), as well as school-aged children in Timor-Leste (n = 1043). We calculated prevalence using the 2020 IACS criteria and simplified criteria and compared these disease estimates. Results There was no significant difference in the pooled prevalence using the two methods (2020 IACS criteria: 16.6%; simplified criteria: 15.6%; difference = 0.9, [95% CI -0.1, 2.0]). In Timor-Leste, the prevalence using simplified criteria was lower (26.5% vs 33.8%). Simplified criteria had a sensitivity of 82.3% (95% CI 80.2, 84.2) and specificity of 97.6% (95% CI 97.2, 97.9) compared to the 2020 IACS criteria. Conclusions The scabies prevalence estimation using simplified criteria was similar to using the 2020 IACS criteria in high prevalence, tropical countries. The prevalence estimation was lower in the school-based survey in Timor-Leste. Mapping using simplified criteria may be a feasible and effective public health tool to identify priority regions for scabies control. Further work assessing use of simplified criteria for mapping in a field setting should be conducted. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12889-021-12039-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shu Ki Tsoi
- Tropical Diseases, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Susanna J Lake
- Tropical Diseases, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia.,Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia.,Melbourne Children's Global Health, Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Li Jun Thean
- Tropical Diseases, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia.,Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | | | - Oliver Sokana
- Ministry of Health and Medical Services, Honiara, Solomon Islands
| | - Mike Kama
- Ministry of Health, Dinem House, Suva, Republic of Fiji
| | - Salvador Amaral
- Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Australia
| | - Lucia Romani
- The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Margot Whitfeld
- St Vincent's Hospital, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Joshua R Francis
- Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Australia.,Department of Paediatrics, Royal Darwin Hospital, Darwin, Australia
| | - Susana Vaz Nery
- The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Michael Marks
- Clinical Research Department, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK.,Hospital for Tropical Diseases, University College London Hospital, London, UK
| | - John M Kaldor
- The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Andrew C Steer
- Tropical Diseases, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia.,Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia.,Melbourne Children's Global Health, Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Daniel Engelman
- Tropical Diseases, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia. .,Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia. .,Melbourne Children's Global Health, Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia.
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8
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Lake SJ, Engelman D, Sokana O, Nasi T, Boara D, Marks M, Whitfeld MJ, Romani L, Kaldor JM, Steer AC, Carvalho N. Health-related quality of life impact of scabies in the Solomon Islands. Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg 2021; 116:148-156. [PMID: 34182575 PMCID: PMC8804887 DOI: 10.1093/trstmh/trab096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2021] [Revised: 06/03/2021] [Accepted: 06/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Scabies causes intense itching and skin lesions. A small number of studies have shown that scabies impacts health-related quality of life (HRQoL), but no studies have been conducted in the Pacific region. We assessed the impact of scabies on HRQoL in a high-prevalence setting using the Children's Dermatology Life Quality Index (CDLQI) and Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI). We also assessed the validity of these tools in a Pacific Island population. Methods The study was conducted in the Solomon Islands. Participants with and without skin disease were randomly selected. HRQoL indices were scored on a scale of 0–30. Results We surveyed 1051 adults (91 with scabies) and 604 children (103 with scabies). Scabies had a small impact on HRQoL, with a median DLQI score of 2 (interquartile range [IQR] 0–6) and a CDLQI score of 2 (IQR 0–4). Scores increased linearly with severity. The greatest impact on QoL was due to itch, sleep disturbance and impacts on education and employment. Conclusions Scabies has a small but measurable impact on HRQoL. The DLQI and CDLQI scores were discriminated between the skin-related QoL of patients with scabies and the control group, indicating that these tools are appropriate to measure skin-related QoL in the Solomon Islands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanna J Lake
- Tropical Diseases Research Group, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Melbourne Children's Global Health, Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Daniel Engelman
- Tropical Diseases Research Group, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Melbourne Children's Global Health, Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Oliver Sokana
- Ministry of Health and Medical Services, Solomon Islands
| | - Titus Nasi
- Ministry of Health and Medical Services, Solomon Islands
| | - Dickson Boara
- Ministry of Health and Medical Services, Solomon Islands
| | - Michael Marks
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK.,Hospital for Tropical Diseases, London, UK
| | - Margot J Whitfeld
- St Vincent's Hospital, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Lucia Romani
- Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - John M Kaldor
- Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Andrew C Steer
- Tropical Diseases Research Group, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Melbourne Children's Global Health, Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Natalie Carvalho
- Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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