Background: Scabies is a common, under-reported condition in the Pacific with acute and chronic complications. In this study we explored the prevalence of scabies in Sanma Province, Vanuatu.
Methods: We randomly selected 30 villages from nine government zones across three islands and examined residents present within these villages for scabies. Bivariate analysis and multilevel models were conducted to investigate associated demographic and household factors.
Results: Of 1879 participants examined, 563 had scabies (30%, 95% CI 27.9 to 32.1) with the highest prevalence in children aged 6-10 y (38.8%, 95% CI 33.9 to 44).
Conclusions: Scabies is a significant issue in Sanma with very high prevalence in children.
Keywords: cross-sectional studies, endemic diseases, humans, neglected diseases; epidemiology; epidemiology, oceania; epidemiology, parasitic diseases.
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