The prevalence of infection with head lice pediculus humanus capitis among elementary girl students in Albaha region-Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Fatehia Nasser Gharsan; Naglaa Fekry Abdel-Hamed; Somia Abd Alla Mohammed Elhassan; Nihad Gubara Abdel Rahman Gubara

doi:10.18203/issn.2455-4529.IntJResDermatol20161426

Authors

Fatehia Nasser Gharsan Department of Biology, Albaha University, Saudi Arabia
Naglaa Fekry Abdel-Hamed Department of Biology, Albaha University, Saudi Arabia
Somia Abd Alla Mohammed Elhassan Department of Biology, Albaha University, Saudi Arabia
Nihad Gubara Abdel Rahman Gubara Department of Biology, Albaha University, Saudi Arabia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18203/issn.2455-4529.IntJResDermatol20161426

Keywords:

Medical entomology, Pediculus humanus capitis, Head lice, Prevalence, Risk factors

Abstract

Background: Head lice infestation with Pediculus humanus capitis is a widespread health concern among school children. The prevalence of lice infestation and the associated risk factors were assessed among primary school girls in Albaha region.

Methods: A total of 672 girls in Al Makhwa area were examined and interviewed. The prevalence of pediculosis was 45.45%.

Results: The results indicated there was a significant relation between lice infestation and several risk factors: crowdness in classrooms (89.52% in heavily crowded classes); sharing bedrooms (P≤0.001); hair washing frequency and the person washing it (P≤0.001); sharing combs and towels (69.53 and 71.4% respectively); using a hair-dryer (P≤0.001). Girls' school class level, hair characters, family income, number of family members, mother's education and occupation, mode of transport to school and presence of a house servant were found to have no significant impact on head lice infestation.

Conclusions: Family education is needed to implement proper personal hygiene practices and cease sharing personal items. Periodic screening of students at school and home is recommended for early detection and treatment.

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