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Scabies: A Growing Concern for Public Health.

Authors :
Şahin, Suzan
Kaya, Bülent
Güldü, Ahmet
Source :
Anatolian Journal of Family Medicine; 2024, Vol. 7 Issue 1, p9-12, 4p
Publication Year :
2024

Abstract

Objectives: Scabies, an infestation affecting individuals of all ages, poses significant public health implications due to its potential for epidemics and transmission within households. The aim of this study was to evaluate the demographic data of patients diagnosed with scabies between the years 2022 and 2023. Methods: A retrospective analysis of patients admitted to the Infectious Diseases and Dermatology Outpatient Clinics between January 2022 and November 2023 was conducted, with symptoms of itching and rash, and was diagnosed with scabies during the first admission. The patients of all age groups were included in the study. Results: A total of 1261 patients were included in this study, with a median age of 30.0 (0.0-93.0) years and 669 (53.0%) were male. In 2022, 521 (41.3%) patients were diagnosed with scabies, while in 2023, the number increased to 740 (58.7%). Among the total patients, 167 (13.2%) were admitted from outside the province, with 77 (6.1%) in 2022 and 90 (7.1%) in 2023. Interestingly, 114 (9.0%) patients were diagnosed with scabies while hospitalized for reasons unrelated to scabies itself. This includes 16 (1.3%) patients in 2022 and 98 (7.8%) patients in 2023. Conclusion: Scabies are an escalating public health concern that has the potential to trigger epidemics. Primary health-care institutions, specialty associations, and the General Directorate of Public Health play vital roles in recognizing the disease, coordinating treatment strategies, and disseminating preventive measures to the public. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
26305593
Volume :
7
Issue :
1
Database :
Complementary Index
Journal :
Anatolian Journal of Family Medicine
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
177620258
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.5505/ajfamed.2024.10820