Investigating the relationship between epidemiological factors and the prevalence of head lice infestation (Pediculus capitis) in girls' primary schools in Kabudarahang County

Davari, Behroz; Alizadeh, Yusuf; Nasirian, Hassan; Zahirnia, Amir Hossein; Salehzadeh, Arefeh; Mohammadi, Younes; Davari, Bahar

doi:10.22034/26.4.97

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Volume 26, Issue 4 (Winter 2024)

EBNESINA 2024, 26(4): 97-105

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Investigating the relationship between epidemiological factors and the prevalence of head lice infestation (Pediculus capitis) in girls' primary schools in Kabudarahang County

Behroz Davari

, Yusuf Alizadeh

, Hassan Nasirian ^*

, Amir Hossein Zahirnia

, Arefeh Salehzadeh

, Younes Mohammadi

, Bahar Davari

Department of Vector Biology and Control of Diseases, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran & Institute for Environmental Research (IER), Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran , hanasirian@yahoo.com

Abstract: (569 Views)

Background and aims: Head lice infestation is a global parasitic disease that poses a significant threat to public health and is considered a health priority. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between epidemiological factors and the prevalence of head lice infestation in girls' primary schools in Kabudarahang County.
Methods: This observational cross-sectional study was conducted during the academic year 2022-2023. Information on infested students in girls' elementary schools was recorded following identification. The results were analyzed with the Chi-square test.
Results: In this study, 1,427 students were examined, and 272 were identified as having head lice infections.The prevalence of head lice infestation was found to be 19.1%. Significant associations were observed with factors such as age, educational levels of parents, number of family members, use of personal combs, bathing frequency per week, and previous disease history (p<0.05). In contrast, hair length, and hair condition did not significantly influence the incidence of head lice.
Conclusion: Education of students should be included in the agenda of school health educators. Elevating the literacy levels of both students and parents can significantly improve self-care practices and help prevent head lice infestations.

Keywords: Head Lice, Epidemiologic Studies, Prevalence

Full-Text [PDF 1476 kb] (215 Downloads) | | Extended Abstract (HTML) (247 Views)

Type of Study: Original |
Received: 2024/09/22 | Revised: 2025/03/12 | Accepted: 2024/10/21 | Published: 2024/12/21

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Davari B, Alizadeh Y, Nasirian H, Zahirnia A H, Salehzadeh A, Mohammadi Y et al . Investigating the relationship between epidemiological factors and the prevalence of head lice infestation (Pediculus capitis) in girls' primary schools in Kabudarahang County. EBNESINA 2024; 26 (4) :97-105
URL: http://ebnesina.ajaums.ac.ir/article-1-1361-en.html

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Volume 26, Issue 4 (Winter 2024)

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