Tendongfor Yimnai Naomy Tenkiang

University of Buea, Cameroon

Abstract Title:

Burden and risk factors of scabies among primary school children in rural Cameroon

Biography:

I am a final year medical student at the Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Buea, Cameroon, and I will be graduating as a medical doctor in December 2026. My final year research focused on the burden and risk factors associated with scabies among primary school pupils in rural Cameroon, reflecting my interest in infectious diseases, dermatology, and public health. During my medical training, I served as the Standing Committee on Public Health (SCOPH) Director of the Cameroon Medical Students’ Association (CAMSA), where I coordinated health promotion campaigns, disease prevention activities, and community outreach programs. I am particularly interested in improving health outcomes through preventive and evidence-based interventions.

Research Interests:

Background: Scabies is a common and highly contagious skin condition caused by the mite Sarcoptes scabiei var. hominis. It was declared as a Neglected Tropical Disease, and affects millions globally, with children in low- and middle-income countries carrying the highest burden. Transmission is facilitated in overcrowded settings such as schools, where close physical contact is common. Although studies in Cameroon indicate a high prevalence of scabies among primary school children, little is known about its burden among pupils in rural Cameroon.

Objectives: This study aimed at determining the burden and risk factors of scabies among primary school pupils in rural Cameroon.

Materials and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 411 primary school pupils selected from seven government schools in rural Cameroon. Data was collected using structured questionnaires and clinical examinations performed by trained health personnel. Information on sociodemographic characteristics, environmental conditions, hygiene practices, and clinical symptoms was obtained. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and logistic regression to identify factors associated with scabies. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.

Results: The overall prevalence of scabies was 17.0%, with a total of 70 out of 411 pupils affected. The majority of participants were aged 8–11 years (63.0%) and were female (57.2%). Commonly affected body sites included the hands (11.7%) and upper arms (9.7%). No significant association was observed between scabies infestation and sociodemographic characteristics, including age, sex, and residence (p > 0.05). Bivariate analysis showed significant associations between scabies infestation and some household, environmental and hygiene related factors. Multivariate analysis identified poor environmental sleeping conditions (AOR = 2.46, 95% CI: 1.09–5.57) and close physical contact during play (AOR = 1.92, 95% CI: 1.06–3.49) as independent predictors of scabies infestation.

Conclusion: Scabies remains a significant health problem among primary school pupils in rural Cameroon, affecting about one in six children. Poor environmental sleeping conditions and close skin contact contribute greatly to its spread. Improving hygiene education, reducing bed sharing, and ensuring early treatment through collaboration between schools, families, and health authorities are essential to reducing transmission and disease burden.