Evaluating the current management approach of scabies at selected primary health care in the Deder district, Ethiopia

BACKGROUND: Scabies is endemic in many resource-poor tropics, with an estimated average prevalence of 5–10% in children. The burden of scabies infestation and its complications place a huge cost on health systems. The aim of this study was to evaluate the current management approach to scabies at primary health care facilities in the Deder district, Ethiopia. METHODS: A qualitative research design was used to address the research objectives. Data were collected using in-depth interviews with 18 health care providers. Thematic analysis was performed on the verbatim transcriptions using Tesch’s approach. Eight themes emerged after data analysis. These experiences regarding scabies management; medicine supply and accessibility for scabies management; unavailability of scabies management guidelines; scabies data management; suggestions regarding better management; linkage and communication at different levels; facilitators to scabies management; and health education regarding scabies. RESULTS: The study findings verified that there are different difficulties and challenges in diagnosing and managing scabies that need serious redress about improving the management of scabies in primary health care. These challenges contribute to low quality of health service with undesirable health outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: In the health system, one of the imperatives is delivering appropriate health care management to those in need. The absence of constant and proper management of scabies in primary health care due to different challenges may cause the disease cycle to continue and affect the efforts directed at reducing the disease burden in the area.