Burden and determinants of scabies in a pastoralist community: a case-control study from Southwest Ethiopia

Scabies is a skin infestation caused by the human itch mite, affecting people globally across all demographics. However, it is more prevalent among children, individuals with poor hygiene, those in overcrowded or slum areas and people affected by drought and war. There is limited research on scabies in Ethiopia and none specifically focused on marginalised communities. This study aimed to assess the burden of scabies and its contributing factors among pastoralist communities in Ethiopia.

A community-based, unmatched case-control study (1:2 ratio) was conducted in Meinit Goldiya District to assess risk factors for scabies. The researchers collected line-listed data on scabies and conducted face-to-face interviews from January to February 2023, with a sample of 156 cases and 312 controls. Data were gathered using a structured questionnaire and analysed with SPSS V.22. OR, p values and 95% CI were calculated to identify associated factors. Independent factors were determined using a p value of <0.05 and the corresponding 95% CI in the multivariable model.

A total of 4269 scabies cases were reported in the district, with an attack rate of 7.9%. Of the reported cases, 52.8% (2254 cases) were male. The multivariable analysis identified several factors significantly associated with scabies: sleeping with infected individuals (adjusted OR (AOR)=3.70 (2.08, 6.61)), sharing washing facilities with patients with scabies in the past 6 months (AOR=4.05 (2.30, 7.13)), placing clothes together with infected individuals' clothes (AOR=4.71 (2.64, 8.42)) and households with a daily water consumption of ≥25 L per person per day, which was a protective factor (AOR=0.06 (0.03, 0.12)).

Scabies is a public health issue in the district, with significant risk factors including sleeping, washing and contact with patients with scabies, as well as daily water consumption levels. To address this, the study recommends strengthening active case surveillance, offering health education and ensuring health facilities are stocked with treatment medications.