Journal of Clinical & Experimental Dermatology Research
Open Access

Abstract

Prevalence, Drivers and Clinical Features of Human Scabies at the Mfou Principal Prison, Centre Region of Cameroon

Emmanuel Armand Kouotou, Jobert Richie N Nansseu, Frederick Agem Kechia, Isidore Sieleunou, Herbert Atenkeng Apasew, Defo Defo and Roger Moyou Somo

Background and aim: Researches assessing the prevalence and magnitude of human scabies (HS) in Cameroonian penitentiaries are direly rare. The present study aimed to determine the prevalence, drivers and clinical features of HS in a Cameroonian prison.
Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study from February to April 2014 at the Mfou Principal Prison (MPP), Cameroon, including all prisoners who voluntarily consulted the research team at the prison infirmary. The diagnosis was based on clinical findings, the examination being independently performed by two experienced dermatologists.
Results: Overall, 217 prisoners were enrolled, of whom 201 (92.6%) were males. Ages ranged from 14 to 60 years with a mean of 32.4 ± 9.5 years. The prevalence of HS was 41.0% (95% confidence interval (CI): 34.5-47.5%). Eighty one (91.0%) infected prisoners presented classical scabies while 8 prisoners (9.0%) presented crusted scabies. Excoriations (85.4%) and crusts (83.1%) were the prevailing lesions while the infra-gluteal (92.1%) and the inter-gluteal (88.8%) regions were the leading lesion sites. After multivariable logistic regression analysis, a number of baths less than once daily (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 11.23, 95% CI: 2.10-60.06; p=0.005) and a number of laundries less than once weekly (aOR 16.27, 95% CI: 4.21-62.84; p<0.0001) were the independent factors impacting scabies occurrence.
Conclusion: HS is highly prevalent at the MPP, driven by poor personal hygiene alongside a probable lack of health care. Prisoners should be counselled on healthy (personal) hygiene rules, and encouraged to adopt such habits; all necessary means should be made available accordingly.