Evaluation of family physicians’ knowledge about scabies: An example from a district in Istanbul

OBJECTIVE Scabies is a highly contagious and itchy skin disease that poses a public health problem due to its high prevalence in developing and underdeveloped countries. The aim of this study is to assess the knowledge level of family physicians working in a district of Istanbul regarding scabies and to identify their current awareness level and educational needs. METHODS This descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted between August 1, 2023, and August 1, 2024. The population consisted of 123 active family physicians, and 103 volunteers participated in the study. Participants completed a 27-item online questionnaire assessing their sociodemographic characteristics and knowledge level regarding scabies. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS 27.0 software. Categorical variables were compared using the chi-square test, with p<0.05 considered statistically significant. RESULTS The mean age of participants was 38.99±10.98 years, and 67% were female. 97.1% of physicians had previously seen a scabies case, and 88.3% had experience with >10 cases. The average knowledge score was 10.4±1.61 (min. 7– max. 13). 63.8% of physicians had a satisfactory level of knowledge. 59.2% of participants knew that scabies could be transmitted through sexual contact, 41.7% knew that it could not be transmitted from pets, and 95.1% knew about the use of 5% topical permethrin in treatment. Physicians with ≥10-case experience showed significantly higher accuracy regarding uncomplicated scabies treatment (p=0.01). CONCLUSION Although family physicians’ general knowledge level about scabies is acceptable, there are deficiencies in the transmission routes and treatment details. Increasing the knowledge level through online and face-to-face training organized within the scope of continuing medical education will improve early diagnosis and treatment success.