DOI: https://doi.org/10.36347/sjams.2024.v12i11.033

Pages: 1639-1644

Introduction: The epidemiology and clinical features of scabies remain largely unknown in various communities. Methodology: This prospective study was done at the Department of Skin & VD at Community Based Medical College Bangladesh, Winnerpar, Mymensingh from June 2020 to June 2022. A well-structured questionnaire was used for data collection. Result: A study included 150 individuals to assess scabies infestation. A questionnaire gathered socio-demographic and behavioural data. Key findings showed that 77.5% of participants reported itching, while 68.6% had excoriations, 61.8% had vesicles, and 58.8% had papules. Sleep disturbances were experienced by 64%, and lymphadenopathy was noted in 48.3% of cases. Lesions were primarily located on the abdomen (35.5%), inguinal area (19.1%), and interdigital spaces (14.2%). Significant poverty-related factors linked to infestation included illiteracy (OR: 7.15), low household income (OR: 7.25), lack of a solid floor (OR: 12.17), and overcrowding (OR: 1.98). Risky behaviours such as sharing beds (OR: 2.11) and clothes (OR: 2.51) were also associated with scabies, while regular bathing (OR: 0.37) and using bathing soap (OR: 0.36) were protective factors. Conclusion: Scabies is a very common in the studied communities and is linked to significant morbidity. The disease is closely associated with extreme poverty.