{Reference Type}: Journal Article
{Title}: Prevalence and determinants of impetigo in Ghana: a cross-sectional study.
{Author}: Amoako YA;Laryea DO;Agbanyo A;Agbavor B;Oppong MN;Kyem G;Abass KM;van Bentum R;Phillips RO;Stienstra Y;
{Journal}: BMC Infect Dis
{Volume}: 24
{Issue}: 1
{Year}: 2024 Mar 26
{Factor}: 3.667
{DOI}: 10.1186/s12879-024-09242-y
{Abstract}: <B>BACKGROUND: </B>Skin diseases such as impetigo pose a significant public health challenge in low resource settings. Despite this, there is a dearth of epidemiological data on the prevalence of this condition in Ghana.<BR><B>METHODS: </B>We conducted a cross sectional study in three settings in Ghana: community members in East Mamprusi district in the North East region, a secondary school in Sekyere East district, and inmates of the Kumasi central prisons both in the Ashanti region. Following a period of training, we performed a standardised skin examination on each participant to assess for scabies and impetigo. We calculated the prevalence of each skin condition and investigated determinants of impetigo.<BR><B>UNASSIGNED: </B>Of the 1327 participants [males 64.1% and median age 22 (16-29) years], 746 (56.2%) had scabies and 186 (14%) had impetigo which was usually very mild or mild in severity. Most participants with impetigo also had scabies (161/186, 86.6%). Having an itch [RR 6.05 (95% CI 2.53-14.47)], presence of scabies burrows [RR 1.99 (95% CI 1.54-2.59)], clinical scabies [RR 3.15 (2.11-4.72)] or being in preschool [RR 4.56 (1.78-11.67)] increased the risk for impetigo. A combination of the presence of clinical scabies, age, sex and itch most accurately predicted the odds of having impetigo.<BR><B>CONCLUSIONS: </B>There is substantial burden of impetigo and scabies in Ghana. There is a need to institute measures to improve detection and control of these common dermatoses as part of Universal Health Coverage package to reduce the scourge of the diseases in this setting.