PREVALENCE OF SCABIES AMONG REFUGEES IN CAMPS OF DUHOK PROVINCE, KURDISTAN REGION, IRAQ

Abstract

Background: Scabies, a skin disease caused by Sarcoptes scabiei mite, that is highly pruritic and contagious. It's endemic in tropical regions among low socio-economic and homeless population. Scabies is a common problem among refugees and immigrants. The aim of this study is to estimate the prevalence of scabies among refugees in Duhok Province, Kurdistan Region, Iraq.Methods: A cross-sectional survey was performed on 35 camps of refugees. A total of 21320 skin lesion cases attended health care centers in refugee's camps were examined and diagnosed by the physician. Data were collected from December 2015 to May 2016.Results: The prevalence of scabies was 4.5% (959), the rate of male and female were 52.8% (506); 47.2% (453) respectively, more prevalent in age groups 5-14 years 35% (335), the majority of cases were found in Essian camp 38.7% (371).Conclusion: The prevalence of scabies was higher in refugees than other communities. Scabies spread quickly among family members, affect both sexes and all age groups, especially among refugees because of poverty, overcrowding, bad personal hygiene, and bad housing.