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Defining the need for public health control of scabies in Solomon Islands.

Authors :
Lake SJ
Engelman D
Sokana O
Nasi T
Boara D
Grobler AC
Osti MH
Andrews R
Marks M
Whitfeld MJ
Romani L
Kaldor JM
Steer AC
Source :
PLoS neglected tropical diseases [PLoS Negl Trop Dis] 2021 Feb 22; Vol. 15 (2), pp. e0009142. Date of Electronic Publication: 2021 Feb 22 (Print Publication: 2021).
Publication Year :
2021

Abstract

Pacific Island countries have a high burden of scabies and impetigo. Understanding of the epidemiology of these diseases is needed to target public health interventions such as mass drug administration (MDA). The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of scabies and impetigo in Solomon Islands as well as the relationship between them and their distribution. We conducted a prevalence study in 20 villages in Western Province in Solomon Islands. All residents of the village were eligible to participate. Nurses conducted clinical assessments including history features and skin examination. Diagnosis of scabies was made using the 2020 International Alliance for the Control of Scabies diagnostic criteria. Assessments were completed on 5239 participants across 20 villages. Overall scabies prevalence was 15.0% (95%CI 11.8-19.1). There was considerable variation by village with a range of 3.3% to 42.6%. There was a higher prevalence of scabies in males (16.7%) than females (13.5%, adjusted relative risk 1.2, 95%CI 1.1-1.4). Children aged under two years had the highest prevalence (27%). Overall impetigo prevalence was 5.6% (95%CI 4.2-7.3), ranging from 1.4% to 19% by village. The population attributable risk of impetigo associated with scabies was 16.1% (95% CI 9.8-22.4). The prevalence of scabies in our study is comparable to previous studies in Solomon Islands, highlighting a persistent high burden of disease in the country, and the need for public health strategies for disease control.<br />Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
1935-2735
Volume :
15
Issue :
2
Database :
MEDLINE
Journal :
PLoS neglected tropical diseases
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
33617544
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pntd.0009142