Overview of dermatoses among detainees in the Ouagadougou Correctional Facility (Burkina Faso)

Abstract

Background: Very few data are available on the scope of skin and mucosal diseases in Burkina Faso prison environment. The purspose of this study is to determine nosological types, scope and determining factors of these diseases in the biggest detention center of the country. Patients and methodology: On 16-20 July, 2018, we conducted a descriptive and analytical cross-cutting study, involving all detainees suffering from one or several dermatoses, and who gave an informed consent. Information collected included types of dermatoses and socio-demographic data. Risk factors surveyed covered hygiene and sanitation, focusing on frequency of showers, use of soap during showers, change of clothes and sanitation of cells. Data were analysed using Epi info 3.5.4 software. For statistics, we used Peasrson Chi-Square Test with 5% threshold significance. Findings: In total, 1,510 out of 1,916 detainees (78.81%) were examined. More than 1 detainee in 2, had one or several dermatoses with 839 cases, that is an occurrence of 55.56%. The average age was 31.95 years ±9,35. Infectious dermatoses were most represented with 870 cases (67.5%) and included intertrigos among 357 detainees (27.69%), scabies among 166 detainees (12.87%) and ringworms among 143 detainees (11.09%). Non-infectious dermatoses represented 32.5% including 114 cases of acne (8.84%), and 44 cases of eczema (3.41%). Almost all detainees (94.8 %) presenting a dermatosis, had regular showers. 87 % were regularly using soap during showers and 27.3% were irregularly changing clothes after showers. Regarding cells, 80% were irregularly sanitized and we observed carceral overcrowding (297.5%). None of the patients had a dermatological consultation after their incarceration. Hygiene conditions were significantly associated with occurrence of infectious dermatoses. Conclusion: Dermatoses are frequent in prison environment in Burkina Faso. Infectious ones are predominent. Sanitation of cells and improvement in detention conditions are crucial and should be priorities for the penitentiary authorities of the country. Besides, detainees should receive dermatological consultations on a regular basis.