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Burden of human scabies in sub‐Saharan African prisons: Evidence from the west region of Cameroon
Author(s) -
Kouotou Emmanuel Armand,
Nansseu Jobert Richie N,
Sangare Abdoulaye,
Moguieu Bogne LéonnelleLynda,
Sieleunou Isidore,
Adegbidi Hugues,
Tameyi Tatsa Joël,
Moyou Somo Roger
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
australasian journal of dermatology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.67
H-Index - 53
eISSN - 1440-0960
pISSN - 0004-8380
DOI - 10.1111/ajd.12540
Subject(s) - scabies , medicine , odds ratio , demography , cross sectional study , prison , odds , logistic regression , dermatology , geography , pathology , sociology , archaeology
Background/Objectives There is little data on the profile and magnitude of scabies in sub‐Saharan African prisons. The present study aimed to assess the prevalence and determinants of scabies in prisons of the west region of Cameroon. Methods We conducted a cross‐sectional study from March to August 2014, and consecutively recruited volunteer detainees of three randomly selected prisons in the West Region of Cameroon. The diagnosis was based on clinical findings after assessment by two experienced and well‐trained dermatologists. Results We enrolled 755 prisoners, 17 (2%) of whom were women. Their mean age was 32 ± 12 years. There were 242 cases (32%) of scabies, with significantly more cases in the most crowded prison ( P < 0.0001). Men were significantly more affected than women ( P = 0.004) and the prevalence of scabies significantly decreased when the level of education increased ( P < 0.0001). In addition to a low level of education (adjusted odds ratio ( aOR ) 1.90; P < 0.0001), sharing clothes/bedding ( aOR 2.72; P < 0.0001) and the number of detainees per cell > 10 ( aOR 1.89; P = 0.002), but not age, duration of incarceration, number of baths/week and washing/week, were independent drivers of scabies occurrence. Conclusion Almost one‐third of prisoners suffered from scabies in our prisons. A low educational level, the sharing of clothes/bedding and number of detainees/cell > 10 were independent determinants of the disease. Urgent measures must be undertaken to reduce the burden of scabies in our prisons.