Relationship Between Santri's Personal Cleanliness Behavior To The Occurrence Of Scabies In The Al-Kautsar Simalungun Islamic Boarding School

The Hidden Dangers of Scabies in Pesantren: Uncovering the Relationship between Santri's Personal Cleanliness Behavior and the Incidence of Scabies

Introduction

Scabies is a skin disease caused by the scabiei sarcoptes parasite, which is often found in developing countries, including Indonesia. This disease is highly prevalent among children and adolescents, and its transmission is influenced by risk factors related to individual personal hygiene behavior. In a dense environment, such as in pesantren, the possibility of transmission of scabies can increase, especially among students who live together. Therefore, it is essential to understand the relationship between personal hygiene behavior of santri and the incidence of scabies.

The Alarming Prevalence of Scabies in Pesantren

Scabies is an infectious disease that can spread through direct contact between individuals. In a pesantren environment, where students live in close proximity, the risk of transmission is higher. The disease can cause significant discomfort, itching, and skin lesions, which can lead to secondary infections and long-term health consequences. In Indonesia, scabies is a significant public health concern, particularly in pesantren, where students are more susceptible to the disease due to their living conditions.

The Importance of Personal Hygiene in Preventing Scabies

Personal hygiene is a critical factor in preventing the spread of scabies. Good personal hygiene practices, such as regular bathing, washing clothes, and using insecticides, can significantly reduce the risk of transmission. However, in a pesantren environment, where resources may be limited, maintaining good personal hygiene can be challenging. This study aims to analyze the relationship between personal hygiene behavior and the incidence of scabies in the Al-Kautsar Simalungun Islamic Boarding School.

Methodology

This study uses an analytical observational design with a cross-sectional approach. The data used are primary data obtained through history, physical examination, and ink tests to detect lesions in the patient's body. In addition, interviews or questionnaires are used to examine the personal hygiene of santri. Sampling is done by the simple random sampling method. Data analysis was carried out using the Fisher’s Exact statistical test.

Results

Of the total 91 respondents participating in the study, consisting of 39 men and 52 women with a range of 12-15 years, as many as 48 students (52.7%) were diagnosed with scabies. Most respondents have good knowledge about scabies (86.6%), while the other 13.4% have knowledge in the bad category. In terms of attitude, 97.8% of respondents have a good attitude towards personal hygiene, while 2.2% are in the bad category. Personal hygiene measures also show positive results, with 81.3% of respondents have good action and other 18.7% in the bad category. However, the results showed that there was no significant relationship between personal hygiene behavior and the incidence of scabies with p = 0.496.

Additional Analysis and Explanation

Although the results of the study show that the majority of students have good personal hygiene, in fact, the incidence of scabies is still high in the pesantren environment. This may be caused by several factors, such as:

1. High density: Santri who live in a limited space can increase the possibility of transmission. Scabies can spread through direct contact between individuals, which is more likely to occur in a dense environment.

2. Limitations of facilities: Availability of inadequate sanitation facilities can be an obstacle in maintaining cleanliness. Although students seek to maintain personal cleanliness, if public facilities are inadequate, the potential for the spread of scabies remains.

3. Health Education: Although most students have good knowledge about scabies, it is essential to examine the effectiveness of health education provided. Bad understanding of the way of transmission and prevention of scabies can affect their actions, despite knowledge.

4. Other factors: Other variables that may contribute to the events of scabies, such as the general health conditions of students and the history of contact with infected individuals, need to be examined more deeply.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this study highlights the importance of understanding the relationship between personal hygiene behavior and the incidence of scabies in pesantren. Although the results show that there is no significant relationship between the two, other factors, such as high density, limitations of facilities, health education, and other variables, may contribute to the spread of scabies. Therefore, pesantren need to pay attention and improve sanitation facilities and ensure that health education continues and is conveyed effectively. This will help not only in dealing with scabies problems but also improve the general health of students.

Recommendations

Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations are made:

1. Improve sanitation facilities: Pesantren need to improve sanitation facilities, such as bathrooms and laundry facilities, to reduce the risk of transmission.

2. Enhance health education: Health education should be continued and conveyed effectively to students to ensure that they understand the way of transmission and prevention of scabies.

3. Monitor and control scabies: Pesantren need to monitor and control scabies outbreaks by identifying and treating infected individuals promptly.

4. Promote good personal hygiene: Students should be encouraged to maintain good personal hygiene practices, such as regular bathing, washing clothes, and using insecticides.

By implementing these recommendations, pesantren can reduce the risk of scabies transmission and improve the general health of students.
Frequently Asked Questions about Scabies in Pesantren

Q: What is scabies?

A: Scabies is a skin disease caused by the scabiei sarcoptes parasite. It is an infectious disease that can spread through direct contact between individuals.

Q: How common is scabies in pesantren?

A: Scabies is a significant public health concern in pesantren, particularly in Indonesia. The disease is highly prevalent among children and adolescents, and its transmission is influenced by risk factors related to individual personal hygiene behavior.

Q: What are the symptoms of scabies?

A: The symptoms of scabies include intense itching, especially at night, skin lesions, and small bumps or blisters on the skin. In severe cases, scabies can cause secondary infections and long-term health consequences.

Q: How is scabies transmitted?

A: Scabies is transmitted through direct contact between individuals, usually through skin-to-skin contact. The parasite can also be transmitted through contaminated clothing, bedding, or towels.

Q: What is the role of personal hygiene in preventing scabies?

A: Good personal hygiene practices, such as regular bathing, washing clothes, and using insecticides, can significantly reduce the risk of transmission. However, in a pesantren environment, where resources may be limited, maintaining good personal hygiene can be challenging.

Q: What are the limitations of facilities in pesantren?

A: Availability of inadequate sanitation facilities can be an obstacle in maintaining cleanliness. Although students seek to maintain personal cleanliness, if public facilities are inadequate, the potential for the spread of scabies remains.

Q: How can health education be improved in pesantren?

A: Health education should be continued and conveyed effectively to students to ensure that they understand the way of transmission and prevention of scabies. This can be achieved through regular health education sessions, workshops, and training programs.

Q: What are the other factors that contribute to the spread of scabies?

A: Other variables that may contribute to the events of scabies, such as the general health conditions of students and the history of contact with infected individuals, need to be examined more deeply.

Q: How can pesantren reduce the risk of scabies transmission?

A: Pesantren can reduce the risk of scabies transmission by improving sanitation facilities, enhancing health education, monitoring and controlling scabies outbreaks, and promoting good personal hygiene practices.

Q: What are the long-term health consequences of scabies?

A: In severe cases, scabies can cause secondary infections and long-term health consequences, such as skin damage, scarring, and mental health problems.

Q: How can students prevent scabies?

A: Students can prevent scabies by maintaining good personal hygiene practices, such as regular bathing, washing clothes, and using insecticides. They should also avoid sharing personal items, such as towels and clothing, and avoid close contact with individuals who have scabies.

Q: What is the role of parents and guardians in preventing scabies?

A: Parents and guardians play a crucial role in preventing scabies by ensuring that their children maintain good personal hygiene practices, avoid sharing personal items, and avoid close contact with individuals who have scabies.

Q: How can pesantren staff and administrators contribute to the prevention of scabies?

A: Pesantren staff and administrators can contribute to the prevention of scabies by improving sanitation facilities, enhancing health education, monitoring and controlling scabies outbreaks, and promoting good personal hygiene practices among students.