Knowledge, Attitude and Practice Regarding Scabies Among Pharmacy Students

Abstract

Scabies is a skin condition caused by infestation with the Sarcoptes scabies mite. This condition is highly contagious and easily spreads through close physical contact. Scabies affects individuals of all ages, races, and socioeconomic statuses. Typically, symptoms of scabies appear two to six weeks after infestation. The most common symptom is itching, which tends to worsen at night. This itching is usually accompanied by a rash that presents as raised, red, scaly spots, and in some cases, blisters. This is an online cross-sectional study. The study was conducted over a six-month period. A comprehensive questionnaire-based review was conducted and the data were coded and recorded in an MS Excel spreadsheet to facilitate data analysis. The results of the study indicate that the knowledge, attitude, and practices of pharmacy students regarding scabies were generally good. From the collected responses, it was observed that the students displayed a degree of uncertainty regarding the treatment of the disease. In light of this, the study suggests that additional continuous medical education activities could be beneficial. Organizing camps in hostels, conferences, and field visits are proposed as effective methods to enhance the understanding and knowledge of pharmacy students in managing scabies cases.