A Hospital Based Cross Sectional Study to Assess Clinico-Demographic Profile of Scabies in Pediatric Patients

Description

Abstract (English)

Aim: The aim of the present study was to assess the incidence and sociodemographic profile of scabies in pediatric
patients with different age groups attending secondary health care hospital.
Methods: This prospective single centre study was conducted on 200 paediatric cases attending in the Department
of Paediatrics, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College and Hospital, Bhagalpur, Bihar India over a period of 12
months.
Results: Out of studied 200 patients, 46 (23%); 64 (32%) and 90 (45%) found to be in age groups < 2 yr.; 2-5 yr.
> 6-12 yr., respectively. Boys were more affected 120 (60%) as compared to girls 80 (40%). 66% patients had
studied >10th std. and 90% had over-crowding at home. Commonest duration of symptoms while presentation less
than 1 month in 176 (88%) and only 24 (12%) have more than 1 month. Itching was noted in 144 (72%) and
absent in 56 (28%). More commonly associated in-patients with poor and average hygiene (99.5%) than in the
good hygiene.
Conclusion: Scabies was commonly seen in children below 6 years of age with boys affected more than girls.
More commonly associated in-patients with poor and average hygiene than in the good hygiene. The important
predisposing factors were overcrowding and poor hygiene. It was common in poor economic groups. Thus,
improving the socio- economic conditions, hygiene, avoiding overcrowding and proper treatment of cases and
close contacts are the sources of infection to children help in preventing scabies in children.