Risk Factors and Effects of Infestation with Pediculosis Capitis and Scabies among Primary School Students in Cairo , Egypt

Abstract

Background: Pediculosis capitis (PC) and scabies are an important public health problem in childhood. They have a worldwide distribution. Also, they have many effects on the infested students. Objectives: To define the prevalence of PC and scabies, to find out the socio-demographic, environment, and health care behavior risk factors, and to determine the effects on the studied students in Cairo, Egypt. Subjects and Methods: A cross-section, analytical study design was chosen to conduct this work. Three primary schools were the field of this study. Total number of the students was 1987. The students were clinically examined; for each infested case with PC and/ or scabies a control student was chosen. Results: Prevalence of PC and scabies was 10.2% and 3.4%, respectively. These infestations were more common significantly among students in the public school. Significant social risk factors of infested students were the low level of head of the family education, occupation, and social status. Also, significant personal hygiene risk factors were poor hair, body, and environment hygiene. While significant health care behavior risk factors were student never received skin examination, no early consultation for skin diseases, and no compliance with therapy. Also; female gender, the last birth order child, had previous infestation with PC, had sibling(s) with PC, and had parents with history of infestation with PC were significant risk factors. On the other hand; male gender, the last birth order child, had previous infestation with scabies, had sibling(s) with scabies, and had parents with history of infestation with scabies were significant risk factors. Further, the PC cases with crowding index >1, had no sun access, had shared water supply and bathing facilities, co-sleeping, had no short cut hair, and sharing hair brushes were significant risk factors. On the other hand, the scabitcs with crowding index >1, had no sun access, had shared water supply and bathing facilities, and co-sleeping were significant risk factors. Lastly, presences of psychiatric, sleep, and peers’ relations disturbances were significantly more common among the infested students. Conclusions: Many risk factors of PC and scabies can be manipulated, so these infestations can be prevented, so many health hazards on the students could be prevented. Recommendations: Improving students' hygiene, health education, and regular dermatological screening and treatment of students are important essentiality. Also, dermatological health component should be integrated in school health program. Lastly, further studies in different rural and urban areas in Egypt are recommended.