Publications

Scabies is a neglected tropical parasitic disease caused by sarcoptes scabiei, and is still amajor public health problem worldwide, particularly in resource-limited regions. This workaims to assess the prevalence and associated risk factors of scabies among inmates at Liramain prison, Lira city. A cross sectional study was conducted among inmates at Lira mainprison, Lira City. A total of 309 inmates completed the questionnaire and were included inthe study. RESULTS: This study showed that 257 (83.17%) had experienced itchy rashes onthe skin, while 52 (16.83%) did not. There was a strong association with number of inmatesin the cell/ ward (p=0.0000) and with cells having >160 inmates having the highest numberof cases 142(92.81%). Change of clothes (p=0.001) with the inmates changing once a month135(91.22%) and direct contact with colleagues (p=0.0001) were associated with scabies. Ofthe 309 inmates who participated in the study, majority were males 275 (89.00%). Most ofthe inmates who suffered from scabies, 84(91.30%) were between the age group of 18-30years. 90(91.84%) of those who suffered from scabies were Catholics, the highest number ofparticipants had rashes all over the body 162 (63.00%), and 130(87.84%) who suffered fromscabies had attained primary education. In conclusion, scabies was still one of the mostimportant health problem with a very high prevalence among the inmates. Overcrowding inthe cells and shortage of personal hygiene materials as well as socio-demographic factorscontributed to scabies infestation among the inmates.