Title of article :
Scabies Among High School Students in Accra, Ghana: Risk Factors and Health Literacy
Author/Authors :
Maleki Birjandi, Masood Graduate , Oroei, Mahbobeh Loghman Hakim Hospital - Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran , Emadi, Naser Razi Hospital - Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran , Peyvandi, Ali Asghar Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran , Kwabena Anang, Abraham Department of Parasitology - Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research - University of Ghana - Accra, Ghana
Abstract :
Background: Scabies is one of the most common itchy dermatoses in school students. The scabies incidence is dependent on personal
hygiene and social factors.
Objectives: This study aimed to determine the scabies prevalence and health literacy among high school students.
Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed in 22 high schools of Accra, Ghana, from March to July 2018. School students
voluntarily participated in the study. After obtaining the agreement of the relevant authorities, we gathered information regarding
demographic characteristics and knowledge, attitude, and hygiene habits of 2,766 students.
Results: Overall, 2,766 students consisting of 1,171 from urban areas and 1,595 from suburban areas of Accra were enrolled in this
study. The scabies prevalence was 10.3% in the high school students, ranging from 3.7% in suburban students to 19.4% in urban
students. The risk of scabies was higher in females than in males (OR = 1.57; 95%CI = 1.18 - 2.07; P = 0.002) and in urban students than
in suburban students (OR = 6.90; 95%CI = 5.05 - 9.43; P < 0.001). The knowledge level was good in 53.4% of the students and moderate
in 44.1%. Almost 91.3% of the students had a positive attitude toward scabies prevention. There were significantly higher knowledge
and attitude scores in urban areas than in suburban areas (all P < 0.001).
Conclusions: According to the high prevalence of scabies in urban students in, it is necessary to perform more educational efforts
and governmental/ non-governmental supports to limit the cases. It seems that high social class and urban residence do not guarantee
the occurrence of scabies; thus, comprehensive prevention programs are required for all social classes.
Keywords :
Attitude , Scabies , Ghana , Habit , Health , Hygiene , Knowledge , Literacy , Schools , Social Class , Students , Pruritus
Journal title :
Iranian Red Crescent Medical Journal