Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 13, 2026
Determining Soil-transmitted Helminth Infection Status and Physical Fitness of School-aged Children
Published on: August 22, 2012
Prevalence and risk factors of scabies among orphans: A cross-sectional study in Bangladesh
Md Abdur Rafi1, Md Golam Hossain2, Md Rashidul Hasan3
1Tropical Disease and Health Research Center, Dhaka, Bangladesh.
Insights
Scabies affects one-third of children in Bangladeshi orphanages. Male gender, crowded living conditions, and contact with infected peers increase scabies risk in this vulnerable population.
Area of Science:
- Neglected Tropical Diseases
- Pediatric Dermatology
- Public Health
Background:
- Scabies is a prevalent neglected tropical disease, disproportionately affecting children in low socio-economic settings.
- Orphanages represent a unique environment where disease transmission can be amplified due to close living quarters.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of scabies among children residing in orphanages in Bangladesh.
- To identify factors associated with scabies infection in this population.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study was conducted in five orphanages in Dhaka city, Bangladesh.
- Screening for scabies followed the International Alliance for the Control of Scabies (IACS) guidelines (2020).
- Logistic regression analysis was employed to identify associated risk factors.
Main Results:
- The overall prevalence of scabies was 31.6% among 471 children screened.
- Prevalence was categorized as mild (60.4%), moderate (28.2%), and severe (11.4%).
- Factors significantly associated with increased scabies odds included male gender, higher child density per room, and contact with symptomatic peers.
Conclusions:
- Approximately one-third of children in Bangladeshi orphanages are affected by scabies.
- Male children, those in crowded accommodations, and those with exposure to infected individuals face elevated scabies risk.
- Findings highlight the need for targeted interventions in orphanage settings to control scabies transmission.
Introduction:
Scabies is one of the most common neglected tropical diseases predominantly affecting children from low socio-economic background. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence and associated factors of scabies among the children living in the orphanages of Bangladesh.
Methods:
This was a cross-sectional study among children in selected orphanages in Dhaka city of Bangladesh from May to December 2023. The participants were screened for scabies according to the diagnosis criteria of the International Alliance for the Control of Scabies guideline (IACS, 2020). A logistic regression model was used to determine the factors associated with scabies among the children.
Results:
A total of 471 children living in five selected orphanages of Dhaka city of Bangladesh were screened for scabies. Majority of the children living in orphanages were female with a mean age of 11.9 (SD 3.24) years. The overall prevalence of scabies among the children was 31.6% (mild 60.4%, moderate 28.2% and severe 11.4%). Male gender (aOR 2.76, 95% CI 1.14, 7.45, p-value 0.032), increased number of children per room (aOR 1.07, 95% CI 1.03, 1.12, p-value 0.001), and history of pruritus in the close contacts or peers (aOR 1.89, 95% CI 1.04, 3.46, p-value 0.038) were associated with a higher odds of being infected by scabies.
Conclusion:
One-third of the children living in the orphanages were suffering from scabies. Male children and those who live in crowded facilities and had close contact with infected peers were at higher risk of scabies.
Related Concept Videos
01:26Factors Affecting the Risk of Infection
The integrity and count of the white blood cells help the body resist pathogens and fight infection. When impaired, it reduces the body's resistance to pathogens. The acidic pH levels of the gastrointestinal, genitourinary tracts, and skin...
01:25Immunodeficiency Diseases
There are three main causes of immunodeficiency...
01:20Infection
The chain begins with pathogens: bacteria, viruses, fungi, prions, or parasites such as protozoa helminths. These can be present on the skin as transient or resident flora, or they can be acquired from the environment. Identifying and treating the type of infection and...
01:28Fungal Phylum Microsporidia
01:08Prevalence and Incidence
Prevalence indicates the proportion of individuals in a population who have a specific disease or health...
01:22Healthcare Associated Infections II: Preventive Measures
The best practices for preventing healthcare-associated infections include hand hygiene, patient risk...