Assessment of the Prevalence of Pediculosis capitis among Primary School Girls in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

The prevalence of Pediculosis capitis human head lice, among children is a worldwide public health alarm. The study aimed to assess the prevalence of head lice and associated risk environmental and personal factors among primary school girls. Study sample included 590 students from different primary school grades. The results showed that (12.2%) 72/590 of students were infected with Pediculosis capitis. A high rates of infestation was observed among students, who had a long hair, poor family and illiterate mother’s (30.2, 28.6 and 28.6%, respectively). However, association of pediculosis capitis with socioeconomic and personal factors showed that pediculosis capitis had a significant association with place of residence, school grade, hair length, previous infection, sharing of instruments, income of parents and education of parents level. While no significant differences could be found between infestation and nationality, frequency of hair washing, cleaning materials for hair washing, mother’s occupation, number of children in family and number of people sharing room. The study recommended that the parents and teachers should receive training about the danger of infection and its distribution in family and school in order to prevent it.