Demoze Lidetu, Gubena Fetlework, Akalewold Eyob, Brhan Helen, Adane Kassaw Chekole, Kifle Tigist, Gizachew Natnael, Gizaw Zemichael, Tesfaye Amensisa Hailu, Yitageasu Gelila
Department of Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety, Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia.
Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia.
PLoS One. 2024 Dec 19;19(12):e0314882. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0314882. eCollection 2024.
Scabies is a major global health problem, affecting an estimated 200 million people worldwide and causing more than 455 million new cases annually. It is one of the most prevalent dermatological conditions in developing countries and vulnerable populations, such as school-age children. In Ethiopia, findings regarding the prevalence and associated factors of scabies among school age children have been irregular and inconsistent. In addition, no previous systematic reviews or meta-analyses have been conducted in Ethiopia. Therefore, this systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to estimate the pooled prevalence of scabies and their associated factors among school age children in Ethiopia.
We conducted a systematic literature search (April 9-12, 2024) to identify studies on scabies incidence and associated factors in Ethiopian children among school age children. Published and peer reviewed articles were searched in electronic databases such as Medline/PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Science Direct, and Epistemonikos. In addition, other search methods, such as Google Scholar, Ethiopian University and Research Institutional Repository, and Google manual searches were also conducted. All papers published until 12 April 2024 were considered. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Only studies that met the predefined inclusion criteria were included. Quantitative methods were employed to analyze the data, and heterogeneity across studies was assessed. Additionally, publication bias was evaluated via a funnel plot and Egger's regression test. Publication bias was assessed via funnel plots and Egger's regression test. The protocol for this review has been registered with PROSPERO (ID: CRD42024532037).
A comprehensive systematic review of 1,144 studies identified 16 studies that met the inclusion criteria were included in this systematic review and meta-analysis. The pooled prevalence of scabies among school age children in Ethiopia, based on the 16 included studies, was 21.1% (95% CI: 15.0%, 27.2%). A family history of scabies, knowledge about scabies, sharing a bed, sleeping with a scabies-ill person, sharing a cloth, contact with a person who has symptoms of scabies, and sleeping place are some of the factors significantly associated with scabies among school age children in Ethiopia.
The pooled prevalence of scabies among school age children in Ethiopia was high. Sociodemographic, water, sanitation, and hygiene factors were associated with scabies. A multi-pronged approach is recommended to address scabies in Ethiopian school age children. Strengthening collaboration among the education, water, and health sectors would promote a coordinated response. Such interventions have the potential to reduce the prevalence of scabies in this vulnerable population significantly.
疥疮是一个重大的全球健康问题，全球约有2亿人受其影响，每年新增病例超过4.55亿例。它是发展中国家以及学龄儿童等弱势群体中最普遍的皮肤病之一。在埃塞俄比亚，关于学龄儿童疥疮患病率及其相关因素的研究结果并不规律且不一致。此外，埃塞俄比亚此前未进行过系统评价或荟萃分析。因此，开展本次系统评价和荟萃分析以估计埃塞俄比亚学龄儿童疥疮的合并患病率及其相关因素。
我们进行了系统的文献检索（2024年4月9日至12日），以确定关于埃塞俄比亚学龄儿童疥疮发病率及其相关因素的研究。在Medline/PubMed、Embase、Scopus、Science Direct和Epistemonikos等电子数据库中检索已发表且经过同行评审的文章。此外，还采用了其他检索方法，如谷歌学术、埃塞俄比亚大学和研究机构知识库以及谷歌手动检索。纳入截至2024年4月12日发表 的所有论文。我们使用系统评价和荟萃分析的首选报告项目（PRISMA）指南进行系统评价和荟萃分析。仅纳入符合预定义纳入标准的研究。采用定量方法分析数据，并评估研究间的异质性。此外，通过漏斗图和Egger回归检验评估发表偏倚。通过漏斗图和Egger回归检验评估发表偏倚。本评价方案已在国际系统评价注册库（PROSPERO）注册（注册号：CRD42024532037）。
对1144项研究进行的全面系统评价确定了16项符合纳入标准的研究，纳入了本次系统评价和荟萃分析。根据纳入的16项研究，埃塞俄比亚学龄儿童疥疮的合并患病率为21.1%（95%CI：15.0%，27.2%）。疥疮家族史、对疥疮的了解、同床睡觉、与疥疮患者同睡、共用衣物、与有疥疮症状的人接触以及睡眠场所是埃塞俄比亚学龄儿童中与疥疮显著相关的一些因素。
埃塞俄比亚学龄儿童疥疮的合并患病率较高。社会人口学、水、环境卫生和个人卫生因素与疥疮有关。建议采取多管齐下的方法来解决埃塞俄比亚学龄儿童的疥疮问题。加强教育、水和卫生部门之间的合作将促进协调应对。此类干预措施有可能显著降低这一弱势群体中疥疮的患病率。
