Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 21, 2026
Determining Soil-transmitted Helminth Infection Status and Physical Fitness of School-aged Children
Published on: August 22, 2012
Head lice prevalence in primary schools in Victoria, Australia
M Counahan1, R Andrews, P Büttner
1Communicable Diseases Section, Department of Human Services, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. megan.counahan@dhs.vic.gov.au
Insights
Head lice (pediculosis) infections affected 13% of Victorian primary school children. Female gender was a risk factor, but traditional assumptions about hair length and residence were not supported, suggesting community-based control strategies.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Head lice (pediculosis) are a common parasitic infestation in children.
- Understanding prevalence and risk factors is crucial for effective control strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of head lice infections in primary school children in Victoria, Australia.
- To assess risk factors associated with head lice.
Main Methods:
- A clustered random sample of 16 primary schools in Victoria was used.
- 1838 children were screened for active and inactive head lice infections.
- Risk factors including gender, hair length, and residence were evaluated.
Main Results:
- The prevalence of active head lice infection was 13% (239/1838).
- Prevalence varied significantly between schools (0-28%).
- Females were 2.2 times more likely to have active infections; other investigated risk factors showed no significant association.
Conclusions:
- Head lice prevalence varies across regions, and commonly attributed risk factors may not be accurate.
- Traditional mass school-based screening may not be the most effective use of resources.
- A pragmatic, community-based approach to head lice control is recommended.
Objectives:
To determine the prevalence of and assess risk factors associated with head lice infections (pediculosis) in children from government primary schools in Victoria, Australia.
Methods:
Between May and October 2001, children were selected by clustered random sampling of schools and classes, then examined for head lice using hair conditioner and a fine-toothed head lice comb. There were 1838 children screened from 16 primary schools. Risk factors evaluated included metropolitan or rural residence, school class, gender and hair length.
Results:
Thirteen percent of children (239/1838) had an active infection (95% CI, 10.9-15.1) and 3.3% (61/1838) had an inactive infection (95% CI, 2.0-4.6). Prevalence of active pediculosis varied between schools from 0 to 28%. Our screening identified no more than one case per class in the majority of classes screened (58.5%). Females were 2.2 times more likely to have active infection than males (95% CI [1.7,2.9]) and there was no significant difference for the other risk factors investigated.
Conclusions:
Our study demonstrated the prevalence of head lice varied across Victoria and showed that risk factors commonly attributed to head lice infections did not hold true. Our findings support the premise that traditional ad hoc mass school-based screening may not be the best use of resources when controlling head lice. We suggest a more pragmatic community-based approach.
