Scabies and Pediculosis in Penitentiary Institutions in Poland—A Study of Ectoparasitoses in Confinement Conditions

Katarzyna Bartosik, Andrzej Tytuła, Zbigniew Zając, Weronika Buczek, Anita Jasztal-Kniażuk, Paweł Szczepan Błaszkiewicz and Adam Borzęcki
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Katarzyna Bartosik: Chair and Department of Biology and Parasitology, Medical University of Lublin, Radziwiłłowska 11 St., 20-080 Lublin, Poland
Andrzej Tytuła: Regional Chamber of Nurses and Midwives in Lublin, 20-072 Lublin, Poland
Zbigniew Zając: Chair and Department of Biology and Parasitology, Medical University of Lublin, Radziwiłłowska 11 St., 20-080 Lublin, Poland
Weronika Buczek: Chair and Department of Biology and Parasitology, Medical University of Lublin, Radziwiłłowska 11 St., 20-080 Lublin, Poland
Anita Jasztal-Kniażuk: Regional Chamber of Nurses and Midwives in Lublin, 20-072 Lublin, Poland
Paweł Szczepan Błaszkiewicz: Chair and Department of Biology and Parasitology, Medical University of Lublin, Radziwiłłowska 11 St., 20-080 Lublin, Poland
Adam Borzęcki: Med-Laser Non-Public Health Care Centre, 20-406 Lublin, Poland

IJERPH, 2020, vol. 17, issue 17, 1-9

Abstract: Background: Scabies (caused by Sarcoptes scabiei var. hominis ) and pediculosis (caused by Pediculus humanus ) are infectious diseases common in educational institutions and long-term care centres. The aim of the study was to assess the scale of the phenomenon in confinement conditions favouring the spread of these parasitoses. Methods: Data on the prevalence of scabies (2001–2015) and pediculosis (2008–2015) in Polish prisoners were provided by the Central Board of Prison Service. The information for the period between 2010 and 2015 in the Lublin Province was obtained from the District Inspectorate of the Prison Service in Lublin. Correlations between the prevalence of scabies and pediculosis and the number of prisoners were analysed, as well as correlations between the number of passes granted to prisoners and the prevalence of scabies and pediculosis in incarcerated individuals. Results: The prevalence of scabies and pediculosis in Polish prisoners has been estimated at 2.3% and 1.9%, respectively. Conclusions: Pediculosis and scabies are still current issues in Polish prisons. Convicts returning from passes and new prisoners should be carefully examined and monitored for the presence of S. scabiei var. hominis and P. humanus invasion. Education of prisoners could be a promising tool in prevention of scabies and pediculosis in correctional settings.

Keywords: Sarcoptes scabiei var. hominis; scabies; Pediculus humanus; pediculosis; neglected parasitic diseases; prisoner’s health; social stigma (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
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