Relationship Between Knowledge Level About Scabies and Scabies Symptoms Among Students Living in a Sports School Dormitory in Kupang, Indonesia: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Scabies is a neglected tropical disease with high transmission risk in crowded living environments such as dormitories. Knowledge is often assumed to play a protective role, but empirical findings remain inconsistent.

Objective: To examine the association between the level of knowledge about scabies and the presence of scabies symptoms among students living in a sports school dormitory in Kupang, Indonesia.

Methods: An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted in July 2025 among 59 students selected using simple random sampling. Knowledge level was assessed using a structured questionnaire, while scabies symptoms were identified through physical examination based on cardinal signs. Data were analyzed using the Chi-square test.

Results: Most respondents demonstrated a high level of knowledge about scabies (79.7%). Scabies symptoms were identified in 25.4% of participants. Statistical analysis showed no significant association between knowledge level and scabies symptoms (p = 0.148).

Conclusion: High knowledge levels were not significantly associated with the absence of scabies symptoms. Environmental factors and intensive physical contact related to athletic activities may play a more substantial role in scabies transmission in dormitory settings.