Abstract
Cutaneous infectious diseases, such as scabies, impetigo, and fungal infections, represent a significant public health issue, particularly in resource-limited and highly populated communities. These illnesses are primarily driven by compromised hygiene practices, limited access to care, and poor health knowledge. To evaluate the effectiveness of an intervention programme that targeted and involved the community to prevent and control recurrent communicable skin disease. A cross-sectional study of 77 patients with a contagious skin condition was performed. The intervention consisted of three components: (1) structured health education on disease transmission and prevention, (2) the provision of hygiene kits containing soap, towels, and nail clippers, and (3) the application of topical medication with follow-up visits. Clinical outcomes and self-reported hygiene behaviors were assessed at 12-month follow-up. The three most common diagnoses were impetigo (32.5%), scabies (28.6%), and tinea infections (23.4%). 63.6% of participants had poor handwashing hygiene following contact, and 49.4% had sharing towels or bedding at baseline. At follow-up (n=73), there was a 89.0% rate of clinical improvement or resolution with the intervention. Further, extreme self-reported change in key hygiene practices was observed, including a 79.5% boost in washing one's hands often and an 84.9% reduction in sharing potentially dirty items. Intervention was 97.3% satisfactory to participants. A community-based package that integrates health education, distribution of basic hygiene supplies, and personal CHW follow-up is highly effective and acceptable for prevention and control of communicable skin diseases. The model draws on both structural and behavioral determinants of health and is an ideal strategy for stemming the burden of these diseases among disadvantaged populations.