Knowledge, attitude and preventive practices towards scabies infection among mothers of under-five children in Ibadan south-east local government area, oyo state, nigeria

Scabies, an infection caused by the infestation of the skin by Sarcoptes scabiei mites, which is endemic in low-resource settings, with under-five children severely affected. In Nigeria, factors such as overcrowding, poor sanitation, and limited healthcare access sustains the continued prevalence of the infection, contributing to significant morbidity and secondary bacterial infections. Despite its recognition as a neglected tropical disease by the World Health Organisation, gaps persist in understanding maternal knowledge, attitude, and preventive practices critical to mitigating transmission in semi-urban settings. This study investigated knowledge, attitude, and preventive practices toward scabies among mothers of under-five children in Ibadan South East, Local Government. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 320 mothers of under-five children, selected via a three-stage sampling technique using a structured, interviewer-administered questionnaire. Results were presented using descriptive statistics and, multiple linear regression analysis at α ^0.05 . Respondents’ mean age was 28.7±4.9. 48.4%, had good knowledge. A high proportion (76.5%) were unaware of skin-to-skin transmission. However, 79.3% recognised overcrowding as a risk factor. Attitude was predominantly negative (62.8%). Preventive practices were poor (83.1%); 42.5% shared cover clothes, and 24.4% avoided clinics despite detecting symptoms. Regression analysis showed that knowledge was significantly associated with age of the youngest child (β = –0.62 for age 2, p = 0.003; β = 0.54 for age 4, p = 0.017). Attitude was influenced by maternal age, ethnicity, child’s age, and income ( p < 0.05). Preventive practices were significantly lower among single mothers (β = –1.22, p = 0.021). This study reveals the critical gaps in maternal knowledge, attitudes, and preventive practices toward scabies in urban Nigeria, driven by low education, economic constraints, and cultural practices. Misconceptions about transmission underscore the need for culturally tailored interventions. This can be addressed by implementing, community health education programmes, media campaigns and policy advocacy.