Abstract
Head lice infestations are common in sub-Saharan Africa, but knowledge, attitudes and practices have never been studied in this region. This population-based study was conducted in a small rural community (population = 590) in Kwara State, Central Nigeria. Inhabitants of the community were interviewed regarding head lice infestations, using a pre-tested structured questionnaire, and examined regarding the presence of active pediculosis. Of the 496 participants included, 367 (74.0%) had experienced head lice infestations, but only 26 (11.1%) of the individuals older than 15 years knew the correct mode of transmission. Of 142 individuals with active pediculosis, only 1 (0.7%) felt ashamed. Treatment was most commonly done by grooming (46.3%), followed by combing (27.2%). Only 4.6% used pediculicides, and 21.8% did not apply any treatment. Opinions about difficulties in controlling head lice were asked in three groups: biological, technical and social. In the first group, the most common difficulty noted was detecting head lice (52.1%), followed by possible resistance that would lengthen the time of infestation (38.9%). Technical constraints included concerns on the safety and effectiveness of products (48.7%) and difficulties in obtaining treatment (46.2%). Social contraints included difficulty in treating children (24.4%), lack of knowledge (23.5%), and the social behavior of children (22.2%). Head lice were not perceived as an important disease in a rural Nigerian community, and feelings about the infestation were mostly indifferent. Despite its common occurrence, knowledge on head lice was limited.
Highlights
Head lice infestations are common in sub-Saharan Africa, but knowledge, attitudes and practices have never been studied in this region
Pediculosis is not considered an important disease by health professionals in this region, which has been attributed to the fact that other more serious and life-threatening parasitic diseases are present, such as malaria, filariasis and schistosomiasis [8]
Three hundred and sixty-seven participants (74.0%; 95% confidence interval: 69.9-77.8) confirmed that they had experienced head lice infestations in their lifetime, but knowledge on transmission was poor: of the 234 individuals older than 15 years of age, only 11% knew the correct mode of transmission, and the majority believed that infestation occurred via contact of the head with the ground (Table 2)
Summary
Head lice infestations are common in sub-Saharan Africa, but knowledge, attitudes and practices have never been studied in this region. Head lice infestations are common in several regions of sub-Saharan Africa [4,5,6,7], but knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) of affected populations in this region have never been studied systematically. Mainly from middle- and high-income countries have shown that in general the knowledge of patients and of health professionals regarding transmission and control of head lice infestation is limited [9,10,11,12,13,14,15]. In high-income settings, stigma and disgust are very common, whereas in low- and middle-income settings, head lice infestations are rather seen as a nuisance, or form part of normal life [12,16]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
