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Published on: August 22, 2012
Head lice infestations (Anoplura: Pediculidae) in Saudi and non-Saudi school-aged children
Hanan Aboalkasem Bosely1, Nadia M El-Alfy
1Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Jazan University, Saudi Arabia.
Insights
Head lice (pediculosis) affect 13.3% of children in Jazan Province, with higher rates in girls and rural areas. Risk factors include rural residence, long hair, and family overcrowding.
Area of Science:
- Medical Entomology
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Head lice infestation (pediculosis capitis) is a common public health concern, particularly among school-aged children.
- Understanding prevalence and risk factors is crucial for effective control strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of head lice infestation among schoolchildren in Jazan Province.
- To identify associated human risk factors contributing to head lice infestation.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 860 children aged 6-13 years in Jazan Province.
- Data collection through questionnaires and physical examinations of scalp and hair for lice and nits.
- Random selection of participants from schools.
Main Results:
- Overall prevalence of head lice infestation was 13.3% (114/860 children).
- Infestation rates were higher in girls (18.9%) than boys (8.6%).
- Higher prevalence observed in rural areas (20.5%) and associated with factors like long hair, previous infestation, and family overcrowding.
Conclusions:
- Head lice infestation is prevalent in Jazan Province schoolchildren, with significant variations based on sex and residence.
- Risk factors identified include rural living, female sex, long hair, younger age groups, prior infestation history, and socioeconomic factors like family overcrowding and maternal education.
Abstract:
The prevalence and human risk factors associated with head lice infestation was studied. A total of 860 children, 474 (55.1%) boys and 386 (44.9%) girls, with ages ranged from 6-13 years were critically examined. They were randomly selected from two schoolchildren (one for boys and one for girls) in Jazan Province. The children or their parents were subjected to questionnaire and physical examination by visual inspections of scalp and hair for the presence of adult lice, nymphs, and/or eggs (nits). A total of 114 children (13.3%) were infested with head lice, 73 (18.9%) girls and 41 (8.6%) boys. The highest infestation rate was recorded in rural area (20.5%). Pediculosis had a negative association with father's education level and frequency of hair washing (p > 0.01). The results indicated that rural residence, sex, long hair, age- group 6- < 8 years old, positive history of previous infestation, sharing of beds and combs, uneducated mother and family overcrowding might be the risk factors for the head lice infestation.
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