Prevalence and Clinical Characteristics of Scabies among Patients in Eastern Iran: A Study in Gonabad City, 2024.

Abstract

Background: Scabies, caused by Sarcoptes scabiei, is common in Iran; however, epidemiological data from Gonabad City are scarce. Therefore, this study was conducted to determine the prevalence of scabies in patients referred to the dermatology clinic of Allameh Bohlool Gonabadi Hospital in Gonabad City and to investigate its associated risk factors.

Methods: A cross-sectional analysis was conducted in 2024 on 734 patients presenting with pruritic eruptions and itchy rashes. The diagnosis of scabies was confirmed in 98 patients by identifying S. scabiei mites, eggs, or fecal pellets through light microscopic examination of skin scrapings. Data from these confirmed cases were analyzed using SPSS v.25 to describe their characteristics.

Results: Among the 734 patients screened, 98 were confirmed to have scabies (13.4%). Analysis of these 98 cases revealed that the majority were female (64.3%, 63/98). The highest frequency of cases was observed in individuals aged 16 years and younger. Assessment of clinical presentation revealed that 55.1% (54/98) of cases presented with moderate lesions. A high proportion of cases were also among women, people with low levels of education and unemployed people.

Conclusion: This study identified a total of 98 scabies cases among 734 patients screened in Gonabad City. The infestation was significantly associated with being female, having a lower level of education, and unemployment. These findings highlight a distinct epidemiological pattern of scabies in this underserved region and underscore the need for targeted community screening and health education, particularly among the affected demographic groups. Further analytical studies are needed to confirm true risk factors at the population level.