PREVALENCE OF SCABIES AMONG CHILDREN IN CHARITABLE CHILDREN’S INSTITUTIONS IN NAIROBI COUNTY

Abstract

Background: Human scabies is a papular pruritic skin rash following infestation with the ectoparasite Sarcoptes scabiei. Primary mode of transmission is through skin-to-skin contact and it is therefore common in institutionalized individuals.
Objectives: The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of scabies among children domiciled in charitable children's institutions (CCIs) within Nairobi County and evaluate the knowledge level of CCI managers about scabies.
Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among children aged 6 months to 18 years in 10 CCIs from Langata and Dagoretti sub counties in Nairobi County using multi-stage random selection. Additionally, the knowledge of all 10 CCI managers regarding scabies was assessed using questionnaires.
Results: The prevalence of scabies was 6.4%. The prevalence was higher among males and in the age group of 6-12 years. Most CCI managers demonstrated good knowledge about scabies, with a significant association found between scabies and sleeping with a child exhibiting itchy skin.
Conclusion: The prevalence of scabies among children in the selected CCIs in Nairobi County was relatively low, and CCI managers exhibited good knowledge of scabies prevention and management. Recommendations include regular medical visits and education for CCI managers on scabies prevention and management, alongside the need for larger studies to ascertain the true extent of scabies in CCIs nationwide.