The effect of socioeconomic status on the prevalence of scabies

Abstract

Scabies is a common health issue in Sudan, influenced by factors such as poor hygiene, overcrowding, malnutrition, low socioeconomic status, and limited access to healthcare, particularly in developing regions. Globally, scabies accounted for 0.21% of DALYs in the Global Burden of Disease in 2015 study, with the highest burden observed in East and Southeast Asia, Oceania, and parts of Latin America. Despite its impact, there is limited data on scabies prevalence in Sudan. This cross-sectional, hospital-based study was conducted at El-Gadarif Dermatology Clinic from January to December 2019 to assess the effect of socioeconomic factors on the epidemiology of scabies. A total of 200 patients were selected using systematic random sampling, and data were collected through structured questionnaires and analyzed using SPSS version 26. Results showed that most patients were male children and adolescents from low-income, overcrowded households with poor hygiene practices. Farmers, workers, and the unemployed represented the majority of cases. The findings confirm that poverty-related factors significantly contribute to scabies prevalence, even in severely resource-limited communities. Despite high transmission pressure, proper hygiene remains a potential protective factor. This study, the first of its kind in El-Gadarif State, highlights the urgent need for public education and stronger healthcare responses to reduce the disease burden in underserved populations.