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The Prevalence of Pediculosis Capitis and Its Related Risk Factors in Primary School Students in Kalaleh, Iran in 2015
Authors: Aynaz Malekyو Jamshid Yazdani-Charatiو Fatemeh Abdollahi
Number of views: 441
Introduction and purpose: Pediculosis capitis is one of the parasitic skin
diseases, which is widespread in many parts of the world since it is contagious.
This study aimed to determine the prevalence of pediculosis capitis and its related
risk factors among the elementary students in Kalaleh, Iran.
Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed on the primary students in 2015.
For the purpose of the study, 541 students were examined for head lice infestation
using a two-stage sampling method. The survey data were collected through direct
examination of the skin, hair, and head cover as well as a questionnaire. The data
was analyzed using descriptive statistics and Chi-square test by SPSS version 20
software.
Results: As the results of this study demonstrated, the prevalence of pediculosis
capitis among the elementary school students in Kalaleh was 6.5%. There was
a significant relationship between the pediculosis capitis and gender, using of
personal belongings, sleeping in the same room, and observing personal hygiene
such as washing hands frequently with detergents, changing clothes regularly, and
taking a bath at least two times a week. However, no significant relationship was
observed between the pediculosis capitis and level of education, place of residence,
age, father’s occupation, education level of parents, number of household members,
having a bathroom in the house, having a health educator, and type of hair.
Conclusion: As the findings of the present study indicated, the head lice infestation
is highly prevalent among the primary students in Kalaleh city. Regarding this, it
is recommended to train the health educators, teachers, parents, and students in
order to prevent this infestation.