Characteristics and incidence of scabies among pediatric patients at IMCI clinic of caringin primary health center (2022-2023)

Scabies, a parasitic skin infestation caused by Sarcoptes scabiei, primarily affects children under five, presenting with intense pruritus and sleep disturbances. In Bandung City, scabies ranks among the top 21 most commonly reported diseases, with 11,623 cases recorded. Risk factors include poor hygiene practices and suboptimal environmental conditions. This study aimed to characterize the incidence of scabies among children under five treated at the Integrated Management of Childhood Illness (IMCI) Clinic of Caringin Primary Health Center, Bandung City, during 2022–2023. We conducted a descriptive cross-sectional study utilizing secondary data from medical records of diagnosed scabies cases. Analyzed variables included age, gender, nutritional status, and case classification (new or recurrent). Among 196 identified cases (154 in 2022; 42 in 2023), the incidence rate declined from 13.6 to 4.3 per 1,000 children. Most patients were male (57.1%) and aged 2–3 years (49.49%). In terms of nutritional status, 58.67% had normal nutrition, while 21.43% were undernourished, and 17.86% were severely stunted. Recurrent cases predominated in both years, though new cases proportionally increased in 2023. The observed decline in incidence may reflect the efficacy of treatment interventions and preventive programs(e.g., hygiene promotion and sanitation surveillance). However, the the persistent rise in new cases suggest ongoing community transmission. In conclusion, scabies incidence among toddlers attending the IMCI Clinic showed a downward trend during 2022-2023, with highest prevalence in boys aged 2–3 years and normal nutritional status.