Burden of scabies in a Ghanaian penitentiary

• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0312108
• Publication Date: 2024-12-06T18:34:13Z
• Authors: Yaw Ampem Amoako; Michael Ntiamoah ...; Dennis Odai Laryea; Gloria Kyem; Solomon Gyabaah; Abigail Agbanyo; Bernadette Agbavor; Nana Konama Kotey; Irene Dzathor; Felicia Owusu-Antwi; Kingsley Asiedu; Richard Odame Phi...; Ymkje Stienstra
• Keywords: Impetigo

Background There is a dearth of information concerning the epidemiology human scabies in prisons. Therefore, we aimed to assess burden and ascertain if prevalence was high enough warrant mass drug administration (MDA) with ivermectin medium security prison central Ghana. Methods We conducted cross-sectional study December 2022 recruited inmates at Kumasi Medical history demographic collected using REDCap questionnaire. A standardised skin examination exposed regions body performed on all participants diagnosed based criteria International Alliance for Control Scabies (IACS). Results Of 559 participants, 19 (3.4%) were female. The median (IQR) age 36 (33–40) years. 368 cases (65.8%) which mostly located hands, fingers finger webs. No female inmate had scabies. severity predominantly mild (63.3%) or moderate (30.7%). Among males, number persons per cell 115 (56–118) 7 (7–8) prisoners. 79.2% 96 individuals previously treated preceding two months still demonstrated manifestations Impetigo found 12.9% participants. Seventeen percent impetigo compared 5.8% without [RR 2.9 (95% CI 1.6–5.5)]. Conclusion very proportion suffered from prison. MDA health education are needed reduce Its implementation effectiveness should be studied.