Prevalence and associated factors of scabies among school going children in Khulna division: a comparative cross-sectional study between schools and madrasahs (Islamic religious schools)

To assess scabies prevalence and associated factors among school and madrasa-going children in Kushtia District, Bangladesh.

Study Design: Cross-sectional study conducted between April and May 2024 using a two-stage random sampling technique.
Participants: 394 randomly chosen children aged 5–17 from 5 schools and 5 madrasas.
Diagnosis: Scabies diagnosed using International Alliance for the Control of Scabies criteria.
Data Collection: Sociodemographic, environmental, and hygiene-related variables collected via face-to-face interviews.
Statistical Analysis: Bivariate associations tested using χ²; multivariable logistic regression used for adjusted odds ratios.

Overall scabies prevalence was 40.35% (159/394).
Madrasa students had a higher prevalence (51.3%) compared to school students (31.65%).
Key associated factors included poverty, overcrowding, poor housing, irregular bathing, sharing personal items, and close contact with affected individuals.