The Prevalence and Factors Influencing Scabies among Elementary School Children in Yilmana Densa District, Northwest Ethiopia

Abstract Background Human scabies is a contagious skin disease caused by the human itch mite, Sarcoptes scabiei var. hominis. It is a significant public health issue, affecting over 200 million people globally, primarily children. The study was conducted to determine the prevalence and associated risk factors of scabies among elementary school children in the Yilmana Densa District, northwest Ethiopia. Methods A school-based cross-sectional study was conducted from December 2022 to February 2023. Data was collected using a pre-tested, structured questionnaire and clinical dermatological examination. A logistic regression analysis was used using SPSS version 26.0 to assess the strength of the association between scabies positivity and risk factors. Results The prevalence of scabies among elementary school children in the study area was 16.1% (65/404) with 95% CI (12.7% − 19.9%). Factors such as being male (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 2.016; 95% CI: 1.127–3.605, P-value = 0.018), attending Koti Primary School (AOR = 2.436; 95% CI: 1.020–5.946, P-value = 0.045), having a history of contact with confirmed scabies cases (AOR = 32.654; 95% CI: 12.758–83.580, P < 0.001), infrequent washing of clothes (AOR = 9.234; 95% CI: 2.241–38.545, P = 0.002), using only water for washing hands (AOR = 5.128; 95% CI: 1.573–16.718, P = 0.007), sharing clothes with scabies-infected individuals (AOR = 12.616; 95% CI: 4.774–33.340, P < 0.001), and poor knowledge of scabies (AOR = 3.500; 95% CI: 1.442–8.493; P = 0.006) were identified as significant risk factors associated with scabies infestation. Conclusions The present study shows that there is a high prevalence of scabies among elementary schoolchildren. Therefore, it is crucial to provide comprehensive health education on preventing and controlling scabies. This should include a strong emphasis on good personal hygiene, avoiding sharing clothes, and thorough hand washing with soap.