Prevalence of scabies and pediculosis in Ghezel Hesar prison, Iran

Abstract

Background Pediculosis and scabies are infectious diseases that can spread in overcrowded places like prison, and pose a lot of sanitary difficulties in public places. Objectives To determine the prevalence of these diseases in Ghezel Hesar prison inIran (male prison). Patients and methods It was a descriptive study on 1404 prisoners in Ghezel Hesar prison in 2004. These prisoners were screened for scabies and pediculosis by two dermatologists. Results Of 1404 prisoners, 31 (2.2%) were infested by scabies and 12 (0.9%) with body pediculosis. There were no cases of scalp and pubis pediculosis. All cases were male (male prison). All prisoners with scabies and 83% of the prisoners with pediculosis had intense pruritus. There was a significant relation between the duration of imprisonment and these diseases. Pediculosis and scabies were more prevalent amongst new prisoners (p<0.001). Similarly, scabies was more prevalent in overcrowded cells. In pediculosis group there were more addicted prisoners (p<0.01). Conclusion We recommend that examining the new prisoners for scabies and pediculosis by a dermatologist or a trained doctor could help reduce the spread of these diseases.