Prevalence of Scabies in Duhok Province and Duhok Refugees’ Camps- Kurdistan Region of Iraq

Abstract

Scabies is one of the important dermatologic problems with worldwide distribution everywhere, especially in developing countries and Iraq. The aim of current study is to determine the exact status of scabies infestation in Duhok province and some Duhok refugees’ camps in order to get better management and control of scabies disease. The prevalence of Scabies was 5.52% and 5.45% in both Duhok province and Duhok refugees’ camps respectively, the incidence was higher in female in both Duhok province (52.41%) and Duhok refugees’ camps (57.89%). The highest scabies incidence was shown in 31 40 years age group, and the lowest incidence in 50 years and over age group. The highest infestation percentage was recorded in January (19.90%) and February (16.10%) and the lowest infestation percentage in April (9.80%) and July (6.70%). According to education status of infested patients, in Duhok province and Duhok refugees’ camps the infestation rate of illiterate patients recorded in 85% and 95% respectively.

Keywords: Sarcoptes scabiei, Scabies infestation, Skin infection, Duhok province, health centres.

DOI: 10.7176/JSTR/6-11-03