European Journal of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences

CLINICAL AND EPIDEMIOLOGICAL STUDY OF PEDICULOSIS, PEDICULUS HUMANUS CAPITIC (HEAD LICE INFESTATION) IN PRIMARY SCHOOL PUPILS, SAVOJBOLAGH COUNTY, ALBORZ PROVINCE, IRAN

Bahrami Abbas*, Nikfallah Fatemeh, Soleimanfallah Mahdi, Dadashi Einsheikh Zahra, Abbaszadeh Effat and Firoozfar Faranak

ABSTRACT

Background: The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of Pediculosis (Head Lice Infestation) and the factors affecting the rate of infestation in primary schools pupils of Savojbolaqh County, Alborz province north Iran. Methods: In this study, data were collected from the health examinations of 12,782 female and male primary school students in 2013 of Savojbolagh county, Alborz province. And the other hand, collected information about personal health (hair washing, use of comb and length of hair) and general information (sex, school grade, parent's job, parent's education). Results were analyzed by SPSS software. Results: The prevalence of head louse infestation was 1.86%. In the urban areas head louse infestation was 1.63% and in rural areas was 2.15%. About 2.54% belonged to female pupils and 0.29% was pertained to the male pupils. There was significant relation between hair washing, use of comb, length of hair and head lice infestation (P< 0.05) and there is no significant correlation between school grades, parent's job and head lice infestation (P> 0.05). Conclusion: The head louse infestation is an important health problem in primary schools in Savojbolagh county. Therefore, there is a need for educational campaigns about danger of infection and regular mass screening at primary school.

Keywords: Pediculosis – Head Lice - Savojbolagh –Iran.