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Pediculosis and Factors Affecting Its Prevalence among Schoolchildren in Amol City, Northern Iran
Zohreh Gholami1, Mohammad Saaid Dayer1, Amrollah Azarm1
1Department of Parasitology and Medical Entomology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran.
Insights
Head louse infestation (pediculosis) is a significant health issue affecting schoolchildren globally. This study in Amol City found prevalence varied by sex, season, school type, hair length, and socioeconomic status, indicating a multifactorial problem.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Head louse infestation, or pediculosis, poses a global health challenge, impacting children's physical and psychological well-being, potentially leading to school failure.
- Symptoms include itching, allergies, secondary infections, depression, and reduced self-confidence.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of pediculosis among schoolchildren in Amol City, Northern Iran.
- To identify the determinant factors associated with head louse infestation in this population.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 20,017 students from 228 schools in Amol City.
- Diagnosis of pediculosis was based on direct examination of hair for live lice, nymphs, and nits.
- Data on personal and demographic characteristics were collected via questionnaires.
Main Results:
- Pediculosis prevalence was higher in girls than boys and peaked during the autumn season.
- Public schools had higher infestation rates than private schools. Long hair was associated with higher frequencies of head lice.
- Dandruff exhibited an anti-louse effect during colder months. Parental socioeconomic status and education level significantly influenced infestation rates, with lower rates in children from affluent families.
Conclusions:
- Head pediculosis is a significant public health concern among schoolchildren in Amol City.
- The prevalence and severity of head louse infestation are multifactorial, influenced by various demographic, environmental, and socioeconomic factors.
Background:
Head louse infestation, pediculosis, is a serious health problem worldwide. Infected children usually suffer from itching, allergies, and secondary infections besides psychological disorders such as depression and lack of self-confidence leading to school failure. This study aimed to investigate the status of pediculosis and its determinant factors among schoolchildren in Amol City, Northern Iran.
Methods:
This study included 228 schools frequented by about 20017 students. Pediculosis was determined by careful examination of students' hair on the scalp, back of the neck, and around the ears. The diagnosis was based on observation of live adults, nymphs, and nits. A questionnaire was used to record the personal and demographic characteristics of participants.
Results:
This study revealed that the prevalence of pediculosis among schoolchildren during all schooling seasons (autumn, winter, and spring) correlated with sex: the prevalence being higher among girls than boys (p= 0.00). In addition, the highest rates of pediculosis occurred during the autumn season (p= 0.00). The public schools accommodated higher numbers of louse-infected students than the private ones (p= 0.00). While head louse occurred at higher frequencies in long hair over the schooling year, dandruff had anti-louse effects (p= 0.00) during cold seasons, autumn, and winter. Socioeconomic status and educational level of parents played determinant roles in head louse prevalence (p= 0.00). Schoolchildren coming from socioeconomically well-situated families had lower rates of head louse infestation.
Conclusion:
Our results showed that head pediculosis was a serious health problem among schoolchildren in Amol city and its prevalence and severity tended to be multifactorial.
