Survey the Prevalence of Pediculosis Capitis and its Associated Risk Factors among Girls’ Schools Students in Garmsar City, Semnan Province (Iran)

Abstract

Objective: The prevalence of head lice (Pediculus humanus capitis) is one of the prevalent infections in all ages particularly among students and has a worldwide distribution. Aim of this study was to survey the prevalence of head lice infestation and external factors affecting the distribution of P. capitis among girls’ schools in Garmsar city and in the east of Semnan province (Iran) from December 2015 to March 2016. Methods: This was a descriptive and analytic study. A total of 800 students aged 7-16 years old from 12 selected girls’ school were examined for head lice. Data collection was done by standard questionnaire and physical examination of the hairs. A questionnaire concerning student’s personal hygienic practices and socio-demographic characteristics was filled out. Analysis was done by Chi-square tests, using SPSS software version 18. Results: The overall prevalence of head lice infestation in this study was 32% including 33.1% of the Primary schools and 31.3% of the guidance schools (p < 0.001).A statistical significant association was observed between Pediculosis capitis and mothers’ job and her education level, fathers’ job, presence of health teacher in schools, bathing intervals, combing intervals, access to health services and school grade. Conclusion: The study indicated that the prevalence of Pediculosis was a major concern but among the schools studied, the prevalence of head lice was slightly higher in elementary schools that are related to some factors including person characteristic and poor education. To find strategies for this issue, regarding its cultural, economic and social aspects, cooperation of different organs like ministries of education and health and also students and their parents is clearly required.