Epidemiological Study of Head Louse (Pediculus humanus capitis) Infestation Among Primary School Students in Rural Areas of Sirjan County, South of Iran

Abstract

Background: The head louse (Pediculus humanus capitis), is an obligate ectoparasite that is found on the hair and scalp and transmitted mainly through physical contact. In the most part of the world, pediculosis is a major public health concern, where head lice infestation is a common problem in school-age children. Objectives: Present study is the first study about head lice infestation in the rural areas of Sirjan County in Iran. Considering the fact that primary school studenta are more prone to head lice infestation, this study was conducted in the all primary schools of the rural areas of Sirjan. This study was conducted to determine the head lice infestation rate and some risk factors in primary school students. Materials and Methods: The data from Iran’s National Census was used for sampling. All primary school students Between 2009 to 2010 from rural areas of the Sirjan County were selected and asked about the presence of lice (in any form). For the data analysis, chi-square test (SPSS software, version 11.5) was used and P value less than 0.05 was considered significant. Results: A total number of 20 out of 1772 (1.12%) examined students were found to be infested by lice. Although the infestation rate was higher in girls, the difference of infestation rate between genders was not statistically significant (P > 0.05). The rate of head lice infestation was siginificantly (P < 0.05) correlated to their hair-washing behavior. Parents’ literacy level also was siginificantly related to the head lice infestation rate (P < 0.05). Conclusions: Pediculosis is a major health problem in many parts of the world including both developed and under-developed countries. According to our findings, it seems that in populated families in which parents have lower literacy level, in families without a bathroom at home, the infestation rate was higher. Therefore, employing health workers to educate such families as well as teachers is a good method to prevent pediculosis.