Epidemiology of Scabies in Dhaka City: A Questionnaire-based Cross-sectional and Observational Study Among Scabies Patients in a Tertiary-level Hospital

Abstract Introduction Scabies, an acute pruritic skin disease, is caused by the microscopic ectoparasite Sarcoptes scabiei var. hominis , which significantly affects the quality of life of affected individuals through severe itching, skin lesions, and other complications related to bacterial superinfection. This study aims to draw a portrait of the epidemiological, clinical characteristics, and level of knowledge regarding scabies among patients at a tertiary-level hospital in northern Dhaka from August to December 2024. Methodology This was a cross-sectional study conducted at the Dermatology and Venereology Outpatient Department of a tertiary-level hospital, Kurmitola General Hospital, from August to December 2024. Using the non-probability purposive sampling, a total of 406 individuals clinically diagnosed with scabies were included in this study, who were interviewed using a predesigned 38-question questionnaire to obtain data on socio-demographic factors, medical history, scabies symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, environmental factors, and knowledge about scabies. Subsequently, statistical analysis was conducted through descriptive statistics, Chi-square tests, and Fisher's exact tests to examine associations between scabies and other explanatory factors. Result Out of 406 participants, scabies was more frequent in males (52.7%), and the mean age of the participants was 22.05 (SD = 15.12) years. The most common age group affected was 0–19 years, with 50% participants. The most prevalent group, comprising 134 (33%) participants, had an educational background from school. The most affected site of lesions was the hand (99.8%). Secondary bacterial infections were observed in 4.7% of patients. The inferential statistical analyses showed that age group was significantly associated with the clinical category of scabies infection (Chi-Square test, χ2 = 12.622, df = 3, P = 0.006; Fisher's Exact Test, P = 0.009). In addition, a family history of scabies infection within the past two months was significantly associated with the clinical category of scabies infection (Chi-Square test, χ2 = 27.323, df = 1, P < 0.001; Fisher's Exact Test, P < 0.001). Moreover, the prescription of antibiotics was significantly associated with complications of scabies, which is a secondary bacterial infection (Chi-Square test, χ2 = 361.395, df = 1, P < 0.001; Fisher's Exact Test, P < 0.001). Additionally, there was a significant association between recurrent scabies and the practice of sharing clothes, napkins, or bedding among family members (Chi-Square test, χ2 = 6.773, df = 1, P = 0.009; Fisher's Exact Test, P = 0.02). Conclusion This research provided data on the contemporary scabies burden in Bangladesh. It can form the foundation for guiding future research in Bangladesh and South Asia, where data related to scabies studies are exceptionally scarce.