Naslov
An Increasing Scabies Incidence in Croatia: A Call for Coordinated Action Among Dermatologists, Physicians and Epidemiologists

Autori
Lugović-Mihić, Liborija ; Delaš Aždajić, Marija ; Kurečić Filipović Sanja ; Bukvić, Iva ; Prkačin, Ivana ; Štimac Grbić, Danijela ; Kosanović Ličina, Mirjana Lana

Izvornik
Zdravstveno varstvo (0351-0026) 59 (2020), 4; 264-272

Vrsta, podvrsta i kategorija rada
Radovi u časopisima, članak, znanstveni

Ključne riječi
scabies ; epidemiology ; outbreaks ; Croatia ; neglected tropical diseases

Sažetak
Introduction: The aim of our study was to examine the scabies incidence in the Croatian population and to analyse potential related factors. Methods: This mixed ecological study is based on a retrospective medical record review. National data from communicable disease reports was sourced and analysed for an 11-year period (2007-2017), with more focus on the period 2014-2017. Descriptive statistics were used to calculate trends. Differences between the groups were studied using Chi-square test and Kendall’s tau (τ) correlation coefcient. Levels of signicance were set at p<0.05 or p<0.01. Results: From 2007 to 2017, scabies infestation in Croatia increased by 6- fold, particularly affecting children and young adults (19 years or younger). In the period 2014- 2017, border counties which are part of migration ows were the counties with the highest average scabies incidences. A linear trend of increase in the number of tourists, immigrants and scabies infestations was noted on the national level for the analysed period, although a signicant association was not observed. Regarding outbreaks of scabies within institutions, more than 80% of outbreaks occurred in institutions for adults. In the capital, Zagreb, the crude incidence rate increased 3-fold between 2014 and 2017. Conclusions: The increased incidence of scabies, large disparities between counties, and prolonged outbreaks within families due to under-recognition and misdiagnoses points to a need for increased awareness among health practitioners. To the best of our knowledge, this is the rst recent epidemiologic analysis on this topic, not only in Croatia but within the wider geographic region as well

Izvorni jezik
Engleski

Znanstvena područja
Kliničke medicinske znanosti

POVEZANOST RADA