@article{104051,
  keywords = {Epidemiology, Risk factors, Scabies, Almajiri, Gombe North},
  author = {Sulaiman B and Godly C and Maitandu M and  Obidah W and Alhaji H and Alhaji S and Ishaku M and  Ali R and  Jajere U},
  title = {Prevalence of Scabies and Its Risk Factors among Almajiri School Children in Gombe State, Nigeria},
  abstract = {<p>This study provides an epidemiological evaluation of scabies in Almajiri school children in Gombe State, Nigeria. Scabies is a parasitic disease caused by&nbsp;<em>Sarcoptes scabiei</em>&nbsp;that resulted to high morbidity, social stigma, and secondary infections. This research was aimed at determining the prevalence of&nbsp; scabies and the impact of overcrowding risk factor among Almajiri school children in Gombe State. The study employed a cross-sectional design involving five Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Gombe State. Simple random sampling and purposive&nbsp;&nbsp; methods were used to select schools and recruit study participants. The sample were collected from Four hundred (400) consented Almajiri children (5-20 years) attending Tsangaya school within the five LGAs of Gombe State. Scabies mites` parasites were collected following standard protocol and transported to the microbiology laboratory of Gombe State University for parasitological examination using standard keys. Interview coupled with structured questionnaire was administered to collect data on sociodemographic characteristics as well as information on personal and environmental hygiene. The data obtained were processed using SPSS version 26 and statistically analysed using descriptive statistic and two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). The findings of the study revealed a significant difference in the level of scabies prevalence, with the overall prevalence of 15%. The highest prevalence (3.7) was recorded in Funakaye, followed by Nafada (3.3) but the least was recorded in Kwami (2.3). The disease is more prevalent among 11-15 years age group with the least recorded among those aged above 15 years. Based on the tsangaya schools where the Almajiri children are living, the highest prevalence was recorded in Gwani Buna Nasiru (21.2%) in Funakaye LGA while the least was recorded in Gwani Sani Gombe (7.1%) in Gombe LGA. The study revealed a significant association between overcrowding and scabies prevalence. Among the determinant of scabies infestation in the study area, overcrowding was found to be the statistically significant (p &lt; 0.036), serving the principal risk factor in the study area. These findings highlight the pressing need for targeted public health interventions in Gombe State.</p>
},
  year = {2026},
  journal = {Dutse Journal of Pure and Applied Sciences (DUJOPAS)},
  volume = {12},
  pages = {1 - 12},
  month = {09/2026},
  publisher = {African Journals Online},
  issn = {2635-3490},
  url = {https://www.ajol.info/index.php/dujopas/article/view/332847/312799},
  language = {ENG},
}