Scabies outbreak investigation in Addet town, West Gojjam Zone, Amhara region, Northwest Ethiopia, 2017

Abstract Background Globally scabies was among the 50 most common infectious diseases, with a point prevalence 0.3%-46% and in terms of morbidity, at 1.5 million disability-adjusted life years. This study investigate and asses risk factors of scabies in Addet Medhanit Alem yekolo temarie in Yilmana Densa district Amhara, Ethiopia, 2017 Methods Unmatched Case-control study was employed. Fifety five cases from line lists reviewed as per the WHO case definition. Cases were epidemiological linked to previously epidemiological confirmed cases and 118 controls were interviewed with structured questionnaires. Data was entered EPI info version 7 and analyzed by SPSS version 23. Adjusted Odds Ratios and with corresponding 95% confidence intervals were calculated to measure strength of association in multi-variable logistic regression Results The prevalence of scabies was 35%. The mean (SD) age of respondents was 16.4(2.785). Out of respondents 110 (63.6%) used river water for daily basis, 36(20.8%) changed their cloth frequently, 105(60.7%) washed their body frequently, 106(61.3%) had at least one scabies infected person in their house. The odds of scabies infection were 2.3 (AOR = 0.436, 95% CI: 0.205-0.929) times lower among frequent changing of cloth, And washing of body with soap and water were 2.17(AOR = 0.461% CI: 0.214-0.993) times lower having scabies infection. Share cloth was 3(AOR = 3.313, 95% CI: 1.536-7.149) times higher having scabies infection. Presence of scabies infected individuals in the family was 6 (AOR = 6.029, 95% CI: 2.071-14.275) times higher to develop scabies infection. Conclusions There prevalence of scabies infection was high, less than 15 years age group were most affected. Frequent changing of cloth, frequent use of soap for body wash, sharing of cloth and presence of scabies infected individuals in the family were factors affecting scabies infection. Personal, house hygiene should be strength and avail soap for students should be considered.