Scabies in Relation to Hygiene and Other Factors in Patients Visiting Liaquat University Hospital, Sindh, Pakistan

Objective: To determine frequency of Scabies and its relationship to hygiene and other factors in patients attending a tertiary care hospital. Study Design: Descriptive study Place and Duration: Out patient Department (OPD) of Dermatology, Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences Hospital Jamshoro from June-July 2011. Methodology: A sample of 283 diagnosed cases of Scabies were selected through non-probability purposive sampling according to pre-defined inclusion and exclusion criteria. History of scabies, hygiene and associated predisposing factors like overcrowding, sanitation, socioeconomic status etc were enquired. Data was collected through filling pre-formed questionnaire and interviews of the patients. Data was analyzed on SPSS version 21.0. The continuous and categorical variables were analyzed by student`s t-test and chi-square test respectively. The significant p-value was taken at 0.05. Results: The frequency of scabies was found as 47.6 %. The lowest age recorded was five months and oldest of 64 years. Scabies was more frequent in females (54 %) ; however gender difference was statistically non-significant (p= 0.66), similar was statistical finding for the socio-economic status (p=0.87). Family history of scabies was positive in 82 % of patients. Irregular and infrequent bathing practice and sharing of clothes and towels were observed in 87 % and 85 % of patients respectively with statistically significant p-value (p=0.01). Irregular washing of clothes was observed in 78 % and statistically significant association was observed between non availability of water and scabies. (p=0.001). Exposure to dust and pets all showed strong association with occurrence of scabies. Conclusion: The present study concludes that scabies is common in our local population in all age groups. The poor economic conditions, bad hygienic practices, overcrowding and unhygienic living conditions, scarcity of water, sharing of towels and clothing materials are positively associated with scabies.