Abstract
Background Scabies is a neglected disease and has the risk of reducing the quality of life due to disturbing symptoms and the risk of transmission. Islamic boarding school (pesantren) students are a risky population because they live in densely populated locations. Cadres as an extension of health workers have the potential to help detect scabies, especially assisted by artificial intelligence (AI). This study aims to describe the application of the SICAPS model with cadre empowerment and the use of AI in the detection of scabies in Islamic boarding schools. Method We started from cadre training for empowerment. Cadres were trained to be competent in detecting scabies and providing education on the use of topical treatment. We also added an alternative to scabies screening with artificial intelligence (AI). Cadre competence was measured by skill observation in standard patient settings, then followed by screening in real cases. AI chatbot was tested by measuring user experience and accuracy. Results The cadre training was attended by 29 people (mean age 18.3 years) and 93.1% were competent in screening or education. User experience feedback from 45 chatbot users showed positive scores in all six aspects, namely attractiveness, perspicuity, efficiency, dependability, stimulation, and novelty. The results of the accuracy test in cadre’s scabies detection were 89.0% (95% CI 79.5% – 95.1%) and chatbot 84.9% (95% CI 74.6% – 92.2%). Conclusion The results of scabies screening in trained cadres are slightly higher than chatbots. In conditions of limited number of cadres, chatbots can be used as an additional screening. Further validation with larger sample sizes is recommended.