Evaluating knowledge level about scabies in primary care physicians during the scabies outbreak of Turkey

Abstract

Background: Scabies is a highly contagious and intensely pruritic disease of the skin. Scabies more commonly affects young children, adolescents, and the elderly. Its prevalence is highest in tropical regions, in low-and-middle-income countries, and in times of war. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted among physicians working in primary care health care settings in Ordu, Turkey. We developed a survey of 22 questions. A hard copy of the questionnaire was delivered to the physicians. Results: A total of 133 responses were obtained. 71 (53.4%) of the physicians were general practitioners (56.5%) and 62 (46.6%) of them were family physicians. 92 of them were working in clinics and 41 of them were working in emergency departments. The overall knowledge score was 83.2%. 60.2% of the physicians had a total score below median score and 39.8% were above median score. The lowest level of knowledge was associated with pathogen, transmission, and incubation period, and the highest knowledge was about clinical diagnosis. Besides, 86.5% of responders had a knowledge score of =75%. Physicians <30 years old had a better knowledge score. Conclusion: In conclusion, in our study the knowledge about scabies among primary care physicians was adequate, but most of the physicians reported they had difficulty in treating scabies. It is recommended to arrange training programs, including diagnosing and managing dermatological conditions including scabies for the physicians working in the primary health care services.