1
|
Delie AM, Melese M, Limenh LW, Esubalew D, Worku NK, Fenta ET, Hailu M, Abie A, Mehari MG, Dagnaw TE. Prevalence and associated factors of head lice infestation among primary school children in low- and middle-income countries: systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:2181. [PMID: 39135177 PMCID: PMC11318336 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-19712-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2024] [Accepted: 08/07/2024] [Indexed: 08/16/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Head lice infestation remains a persistent public health concern among primary school children in resource-limited settings, affecting their well-being and academic performance. Despite previous studies, there is no consistent evidence on the prevalence and factors associated with head lice infestation. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and factors related to head lice infestation among primary school children in low and middle-income countries. METHODS This review was conducted by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses 2020 guidelines. Relevant electronic databases, including PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Science Direct, AJOL, and Google Scholar, were used to retrieve articles. The study included only published articles written in English languages between December 01, 2014 to January 31, 2024 for studies reporting the prevalence of head lice infestation or associated factors among primary school children in low- and middle-income countries. This review has been registered on PROSPERO with Prospero registration number CRD42024506959. The heterogeneity of the data was evaluated using the I2 statistic. A meta-analysis was conducted using STATA 17 software, with a 95% confidence interval. Publication bias was evaluated using funnel plots and statistical tests, such as Egger's and Beggs's tests, to identify publication biases in the included studies. Meta-regression was also carried out to assess the source of publication of publication bias. RESULTS The review included 39 studies involving 105,383 primary school children. The pooled prevalence of head lice infestation among primary school children in low- and middle-income countries was 19.96% (95% CI; 13.97, 25.95). This review also found out that being a girl was 3.71 times (AOR = 3.71; 95% CI: 1.22-11.26) more likely to have head lice infestation as compared to boys, while children with a previous history of infestation were 4.51 times (AOR = 4.51; 95% CI: 2.31-8.83) more likely to have head lice infestation as compared to their counterparts. CONCLUSION The overall prevalence of head lice infestation among primary school children in low- and middle-income countries was found to be high. Female gender, children who had a previous history of infestation, and family size were significant predictors of head lice infestation. As a result, policymakers and program administrators should focus on the identified determinants.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amare Mebrat Delie
- Department of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Injibara University, P.O. Box: 40, Injibara, Ethiopia.
| | - Mihret Melese
- Department of Human Physiology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine and Health Science, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Liknaw Workie Limenh
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Dereje Esubalew
- Department of Human Physiology, College of Medicine and Health Science, Ambo University, Ambo, Ethiopia
| | - Nigus Kassie Worku
- Department of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Science, Dire Dawa University, Dire Dawa, Ethiopia
| | - Eneyew Talie Fenta
- Department of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Injibara University, P.O. Box: 40, Injibara, Ethiopia
| | - Mickiale Hailu
- Department of Midwifery, College of Medicine and Health Science, Dire Dawa University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia
| | - Alemwork Abie
- Department of Midwifery, College of Medicine and Health Science, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia
| | - Molla Getie Mehari
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Injibara University, Injibara, Ethiopia
| | - Tenagnework Eseyneh Dagnaw
- Department of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Injibara University, P.O. Box: 40, Injibara, Ethiopia
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Yingklang M, Gordon CN, Jaidee PH, Thongpon P, Pinlaor S. Comparative efficacy of chemical and botanical pediculicides in Thailand and 4% dimeticone against head louse, Pediculus humanus capitis. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0287616. [PMID: 37352268 PMCID: PMC10289457 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0287616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Head louse infestations remain a global public-health concern due to increased resistance of lice to artificial pediculicides. In Thailand, there is a lack of comparative data on the current efficacy of pediculicides for treating head lice. In this study, we explored the status of botanical and toxic synthetic pediculicides with that of 4% dimeticone liquid gel for treating head lice in Thailand. The ex-vivo pediculicidal activity of various pediculicidal shampoos available at drugstores in Thailand was assessed and compared with that of 4% dimeticone liquid gel. The shampoos chosen were based on active ingredients toxic to lice (1% permethrin, 0.6% carbaryl, 0.15% Stemona root crude extract, or mixed plant extracts), whereas dimeticone acts physically on lice. We found that exposure to 4% dimeticone liquid gel following the manufacturer's instructions completely killed 100% of head lice in 15 min, whereas other pediculicide products failed to kill the great majority of head lice, whether treatment was for 10 min (resulting in 0% to 50.0% mortality) or 30 min (resulting in 17.0% to 60.0% mortality). We also extended a clinical assessment to confirm the efficacy of 1% permethrin for treating head lice in infested schoolchildren. In this clinical assessment, none of the 26 children treated with 1% permethrin shampoo achieved a cure after two applications. These results highlight that 4% dimeticone demonstrated a higher ex-vivo pediculicidal efficacy compared to both chemical and botanical pediculicides in Thailand. Conversely, 1% permethrin showed low efficacy in both laboratory and clinical assessments. Given its physical mode of action, 4% dimeticone merits consideration as an alternative treatment option for lice in Thailand, particularly in cases where treatment with toxic pediculicides has proven ineffective.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Chadaporn Nuchjangreed Gordon
- Department of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Burapha University, Chonburi, Chonburi Province, Thailand
| | | | - Phonpilas Thongpon
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
| | - Somchai Pinlaor
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Head Lice Infestation in Pre-High School Girls, Lak Hok Suburban Area, Pathum Thani Province, in Central Thailand. J Parasitol Res 2023; 2023:8420859. [PMID: 36733373 PMCID: PMC9889157 DOI: 10.1155/2023/8420859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2022] [Revised: 12/31/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
This is a cross-sectional descriptive survey to determine the prevalence of lice infestation in a pre-high school, Lak Hok subdistrict, Pathum Thani Province, in central part of Thailand. The knowledge, attitudes, and practices of parents/guardians toward head lice in female children during February-April 2020 were evaluated. A total of 83 out of 111 parents (74.8%) agreed to complete consent forms and questionnaires. The prevalence of pediculosis found in this study was 68.7%. The infestation was found in the primary school level (87.5%), which was significantly higher than pre-primary school (29.6%; p < 0.05). Itching scalp was revealed in 93.0% of pediculosis. The results showed that occupation, religion, education, and income showed no significant difference between lice infested and non-infested students (p > 0.05). There was no significant association between sex, occupation, religion, education, income, status of parents, and family size among lice infested and non-infested students (p > 0.05). The parents/guardians showed the middle level of knowledge concerning with pediculosis capitis (66.8%). The lack of knowledge leading, first, to the belief that pediculosis does not need any treatment (89.2%), followed by boys getting head lice more frequently than girls (85.5%), and the belief that sharing infested combs, brushes, or hair ribbons does not result in lice transmission (79.9%). More than 75% of the parents/guardians had experienced infestation of head lice and showed themselves willing and able to diagnose and treat their family. However, 50.6% of them did not feel shame when their children were infested with head lice. Children washing their hair by themselves were found to be a significant factor in infestation (88.5%). High rate of pediculosis in this suburban school needs more intensive care by parents/guardians and teachers. Furthermore, improvement strategies to prevent and control lice in the school need to be more specifically planned and scheduled by teachers and health administrators.
Collapse
|
4
|
Akbari M, Sheikhi S, Rafinejad J, Akbari MR, Pakzad I, Abdi F, Pakzad R, Aivazi AA. Prevalence of Pediculosis Among Primary School-Aged Students in Iran: an Updated Comprehensive Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2022; 59:1861-1879. [PMID: 36166587 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjac117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
In this study, a systematic investigation was performed to estimate the prevalence of head lice infestation, and to determine the factors affecting the prevalence of heterogeneity among primary school-aged children in Iran. A comprehensive search was fulfilled in international databases, including MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, and Embase, to identify the articles on the prevalence of pediculosis. So, all the cross-sectional epidemiological studies evaluating the prevalence of pediculosis were covered without any restrictions. A random-effects model was used to assess the pooled prevalence. A meta-regression method was applied to determine the factors affecting the heterogeneity among the studied population. An analysis was performed on 67 studies with a total sample size of 358,053. The total pooled estimate for the prevalence of pediculosis in boys and girls was 7.52% (95% CI: 6.15-9.03), 1.99% (95% CI: 1.25-2.89), and 8.97% (95% CI: 721-10.91), respectively. The highest and lowest pooled prevalence was in Hormozgan (southern Iran) (29.21%; 95% CI: 8.89-55.34) and Isfahan (Central Iran) (0.69%; 95% CI: 0.59-0.80), respectively. Based on the results of the univariate meta-regression, gender and father's job showed a significant direct association with the prevalence of pediculosis, but the sample size had significant inverse relations with the prevalence of pediculosis. This study demonstrated that pediculosis is a common public health problem affecting school-aged children with a relatively high prevalence in Iran, especially among girls.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Morteza Akbari
- Health and Environmental Research Center, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran
- Department of Vector Biology and Control, Faculty of Health, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran
| | - Soraya Sheikhi
- Department of Vector Biology and Control, Faculty of Health, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran
| | - Javad Rafinejad
- Department of Medical Entomology and Vector Control, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Reza Akbari
- Health Promotion Research Center, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran
| | - Iraj Pakzad
- Department of Medical Bacteriology, School of Medicine, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran
- Clinical Microbiology Research Center, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Abdi
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran
| | - Reza Pakzad
- Health and Environmental Research Center, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran
- Department of Epidemiology, Faculty of Health, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran
| | - Ali Ashraf Aivazi
- Department of Vector Biology and Control, Faculty of Health, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Brownell N, Sunantaraporn S, Phadungsaksawasdi K, Seatamanoch N, Kongdachalert S, Phumee A, Siriyasatien P. Presence of the knockdown resistance (kdr) mutations in the head lice (Pediculus humanus capitis) collected from primary school children of Thailand. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2020; 14:e0008955. [PMID: 33326440 PMCID: PMC7743942 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0008955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2020] [Accepted: 11/05/2020] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Human head lice are blood-sucking insects causing an infestation in humans called pediculosis capitis. The infestation is more prevalent in the school-aged population. Scalp itching, a common presenting symptom, results in scratching and sleep disturbance. The condition can lead to social stigmatization which can lead to loss of self-esteem. Currently, the mainstay of treatment for pediculosis is chemical insecticides such as permethrin. The extended use of permethrin worldwide leads to growing pediculicide resistance. The aim of this study is to demonstrate the presence of the knockdown resistance (kdr) mutation in head lice populations from six different localities of Thailand. A total of 260 head lice samples in this study were collected from 15 provinces in the 6 regions of Thailand. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to amplify the α subunit of voltage-sensitive sodium channel (VSSC) gene, kdr mutation (C→T substitution). Restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) patterns and sequencing were used to identify the kdr T917I mutation and demonstrated three genotypic forms including homozygous susceptible (SS), heterozygous genotype (RS), and homozygous resistant (RR). Of 260 samples from this study, 156 (60.00%) were SS, 58 (22.31%) were RS, and 46 (17.69%) were RR. The overall frequency of the kdr T917I mutation was 0.31. Genotypes frequencies determination using the exact test of Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium found that northern, central, northeastern, southern, and western region of Thailand differed from expectation. The five aforementioned localities had positive inbreeding coefficient value (Fis > 0) which indicated an excess of homozygotes. The nucleotide and amino acid sequences of RS and RR showed T917I and L920F point mutations. In conclusion, this is the first study detecting permethrin resistance among human head lice from Thailand. PCR-RFLP is an easy technique to demonstrate the kdr mutation in head louse. The data obtained from this study would increase awareness of increasing of the kdr mutation in head louse in Thailand. Head louse infestation is still a common health problem worldwide. Permethrin is the first line treatment of choice for pediculosis. However, the increase of recurrent cases and treatment failure of pediculosis raises public health concerns about the growing resistance of permethrin among head lice populations. Early determination of the permethrin resistance status is crucial in order to choose the pediculicide of choice appropriately. Our study demonstrated that the PCR-RFLP is a beneficial technique for knockdown resistance detection of T917I point mutation in head lice because it was inexpensive, accurate, and reproducible. Ultimately, our study emphasized that prompt investigation for permethrin resistance should be taken into account in the context of recurrent or treatment failure cases of pediculosis and the alternative chemical pediculicides based on different mechanism of action should be considered under those particular circumstances.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Narisa Brownell
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Vector Biology and Vector borne Disease Research Unit, Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Sakone Sunantaraporn
- Vector Biology and Vector borne Disease Research Unit, Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Kobpat Phadungsaksawasdi
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Vector Biology and Vector borne Disease Research Unit, Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Nirin Seatamanoch
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Vector Biology and Vector borne Disease Research Unit, Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Switt Kongdachalert
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Vector Biology and Vector borne Disease Research Unit, Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Atchara Phumee
- Department of Medical Technology, School of Allied Health Sciences, Walailak University, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand
| | - Padet Siriyasatien
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Vector Biology and Vector borne Disease Research Unit, Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Hatam-Nahavandi K, Ahmadpour E, Pashazadeh F, Dezhkam A, Zarean M, Rafiei-Sefiddashti R, Salimi-Khorashad A, Hosseini-Teshnizi S, Hazratian T, Otranto D. Pediculosis capitis among school-age students worldwide as an emerging public health concern: a systematic review and meta-analysis of past five decades. Parasitol Res 2020; 119:3125-3143. [PMID: 32803332 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-020-06847-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2020] [Accepted: 08/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Pediculosis by Pediculus humanus capitis is still an important health issue in school-age students worldwide. Although pediculicidal agents effectively kill head lice, the re-infestation rate is still high. This study was conducted to provide a summary of evidence about the prevalence of pediculosis capitis among school-age students worldwide. Different databases including MEDLINE/PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched for publications related to pediculosis capitis in school-age students from 1977 to 2020. All peer-reviewed original research articles describing pediculosis capitis among school-age students were included. Statistical heterogeneity of the different years among studies was assessed using the standard chi squared and I2 tests. Due to the significant heterogeneity, a random effect model was adopted to estimate the pooled, continent, and gender-specific prevalence of pediculosis. Two hundred and one papers met the inclusion criteria of this review and entered into the meta-analysis including 1,218,351 individuals. Through a random effect model, the prevalence of pediculosis capitis among school students was estimated as 19% (CI 95% = 0.18-0.20%, I2 = 99.89%). The prevalence of pediculosis capitis among boys was 7% (CI 95% = 0.05-0.10) compared to 19% (CI 95% = 0.15-0.24) in girls. The highest prevalence was in Central and South America (33%, CI 95% = 0.22-0.44, I2 = 99.81%) and the lowest was in Europe (5%, CI 95% = 4-6, I2 = 99.28%). Relatively high pediculosis capitis prevalence among school-age students observed in this study emphasizes the need for implementing screening and prophylaxis tailored to the local context.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kareem Hatam-Nahavandi
- School of Medicine, Iranshahr University of Medical Sciences, Iranshahr, Iran.,Research Center for Contagious Diseases and Tropical Infections, Iranshahr University of Medical Sciences, Iranshahr, Iran
| | - Ehsan Ahmadpour
- Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran. .,Department of Parasitology and Mycology, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
| | - Fariba Pashazadeh
- Research Center for Evidence Based Medicine (RCEBM), Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Asiyeh Dezhkam
- School of Medicine, Iranshahr University of Medical Sciences, Iranshahr, Iran
| | - Mehdi Zarean
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | | | | | | | - Teimour Hazratian
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.,Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Domenico Otranto
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Università degli Studi di Bari, Valenzano, Bari, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Singhasivanon OU, Lawpoolsri S, Mungthin M, Yimsamran S, Soonthornworasiri N, Krudsood S. Prevalence and Alternative Treatment of Head-Lice Infestation in Rural Thailand: A Community-Based Study. THE KOREAN JOURNAL OF PARASITOLOGY 2019; 57:499-504. [PMID: 31715690 PMCID: PMC6851250 DOI: 10.3347/kjp.2019.57.5.499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2019] [Revised: 09/04/2019] [Accepted: 09/21/2019] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Head-lice infestation, pediculosis capitis, remains a public-health burden in many countries. The widely used first-line pediculicides and alternative treatments are often too costly for use in poor socio-economic settings. Ivermectin has been considered an alternate treatment for field practice. This study was composed of 2 parts, a cross-sectional survey and an intervention study. The main objectives were to determine the prevalence and potential factors associated with head-lice infestation, and to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of oral ivermectin administration. A community-based cross-sectional survey was conducted among 890 villagers in rural areas along Thai-Myanmar border. Females with infestations were eligible for the intervention study, and 181 participated in the intervention study. A post-treatment survey was conducted to assess acceptance of ivermectin as a treatment choice. Data analysis used descriptive statistics and a generalized-estimation-equation model adjusted for cluster effect. The study revealed the prevalence of head-lice infestation was 50% among females and only 3% among males. Age stratification showed a high prevalence among females aged <20 years, and among 50% of female school-children. The prevalence was persistent among those with a history of infestation. The major risk factors were residing in a setting with other infected cases, and sharing a hair comb. The study also confirmed that ivermectin was safe and effective for field-based practice. It was considered a preferable treatment option. In conclusion, behavior-change communication should be implemented to reduce the observed high prevalence of headlice infestation. Ivermectin may be an alternative choice for head-lice treatment, especially in remote areas.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- On-uma Singhasivanon
- Department of Tropical Hygiene, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Saranath Lawpoolsri
- Department of Tropical Hygiene, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Mathirut Mungthin
- Department of Pharmacology, Phramongkutklao College of Medicine, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Surapon Yimsamran
- Department of Tropical Hygiene, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | | | - Srivicha Krudsood
- Department of Tropical Hygiene, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Dagne H, Biya AA, Tirfie A, Yallew WW, Dagnew B. Prevalence of pediculosis capitis and associated factors among schoolchildren in Woreta town, northwest Ethiopia. BMC Res Notes 2019; 12:465. [PMID: 31362792 PMCID: PMC6668114 DOI: 10.1186/s13104-019-4521-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2019] [Accepted: 07/25/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives The aim of the study was to determine the associated risk factors and prevalence of pediculosis capitis among school-aged children in Woreta town, northwest Ethiopia. An institution-based cross-sectional study was carried out on 402 schoolchildren in Woreta town public schools from grades 1 to 4 students conducted from April to June 2018. After selection by simple random sampling, face to face interview and observations were performed using a semi-structured pre-tested questionnaire. Data were entered into EPI Info 7 and exported to SPSS 21 for further analysis. Descriptive results were presented by simple frequency, percentage, and mean. Binary logistic regression was used to identify associated factors. Those variables with a p-value ≤ 0.05 in the multivariable logistic regression were declared as significantly associated with pediculosis capitis infestation. Result The prevalence of pediculosis capitis was 65.7% [95% CI 60.01–70.3%]. Sex of child, age of the child, maternal education, sharing hair comb, knowledge, and attitude towards pediculosis capitis infestation and hygiene practice were significantly associated with pediculosis (a p-value ≤ 0.05). Pediculosis infestation is found to be a major public health problem which demands special attention of the community and the government at large particularly the health sector to reduce the problem.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Henok Dagne
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety, Institute of Public Health, University of Gondar (UoG), P.O. Box 196, Gondar, Ethiopia.
| | - Awel Aba Biya
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety, Institute of Public Health, University of Gondar (UoG), P.O. Box 196, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Amanuel Tirfie
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety, Institute of Public Health, University of Gondar (UoG), P.O. Box 196, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Walelegn Worku Yallew
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety, Institute of Public Health, University of Gondar (UoG), P.O. Box 196, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Baye Dagnew
- Department of Human Physiology, School of Medicine, UoG, P.O. Box 196, Gondar, Ethiopia
| |
Collapse
|