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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.
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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
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Valero MA, Haidamak J, Santos TCDO, Prüss IC, Bisson A, Santosdo Rosário C, Fantozzi MC, Morales-Suárez-Varela M, Klisiowicz DR. Pediculosis capitis risk factors in schoolchildren: hair thickness and hair length. Acta Trop 2024; 249:107075. [PMID: 37967666 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2023.107075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2023] [Revised: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/12/2023] [Indexed: 11/17/2023]
Abstract
The human head lice is a cosmopolitan ectoparasite that causes pediculosis. The main way of spreading lice is through direct head-to-head contact. It is popular knowledge that some individuals are more susceptible to contracting head lice than others. Reports of individuals who have never been affected by the disease are common, even living in the same environment and under the same conditions as people who regularly have lice infestations. Previous research has been carried out on the risk of this infection associated with different human factors like gender or age. However, studies on the influence of the individual hair characteristics are scarce. The objective of the study was to analyze the pediculosis risk using geographical location, gender, age and individual hair characteristics as variables. Pediculosis was diagnosed through the detection of living lice in the hair. This cross-sectional school-based epidemiological study was conducted in 310 schoolchildren aged 1 to 13 years of schools in 4 municipalities situated in the State of Paraná, Brazil. The prevalence of head louse infection in primary school students was 49.35 %. The Odds Ratio of presence of pediculosis (OR) was estimated using multivariate logistic regression analysis. The results obtained indicate that hair length and thickness increase the risk of infection. Furthermore, the inclusion of hair color, hair shape, kind of hair-scale as covariates increases the risk of pediculosis, indicating that these variables partly explain this susceptibility and that pediculosis is independent of gender. A smaller hair diameter may favor insect fixation to the hair in the nymphal phases. These results may explain why girls are a greater risk as they let their hair grow for cultural reasons, i.e., being of female gender is an agglutinating variable. The conclusions drawn may explain the discrepancies obtained in previous analyses.
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Affiliation(s)
- M A Valero
- Departamento de Parasitología, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad de Valencia, Av. Vicente Andrés Estellés s/n, 46100 Burjassot, - Valencia, Spain; CIBER de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, C/Monforte de Lemos 3-5. Pabellón 11. Planta 0, 28029 Madrid, Spain.
| | - J Haidamak
- Post-Graduation Program in Microbiology, Parasitology and Pathology, Basic Pathology Department, Federal University of Parana, Curitiba, Brazil
| | - T C de Oliveira Santos
- Post-Graduation Program in Physiology, Basic Pathology Department, Federal University of Parana, Curitiba, Brazil
| | - I Cristine Prüss
- Post-Graduation Program in Microbiology, Parasitology and Pathology, Basic Pathology Department, Federal University of Parana, Curitiba, Brazil
| | - A Bisson
- Post-Graduation Program in Microbiology, Parasitology and Pathology, Basic Pathology Department, Federal University of Parana, Curitiba, Brazil
| | - C Santosdo Rosário
- Post-Graduation Program in Microbiology, Parasitology and Pathology, Basic Pathology Department, Federal University of Parana, Curitiba, Brazil
| | - M C Fantozzi
- Departamento de Parasitología, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad de Valencia, Av. Vicente Andrés Estellés s/n, 46100 Burjassot, - Valencia, Spain; CIBER de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, C/Monforte de Lemos 3-5. Pabellón 11. Planta 0, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - M Morales-Suárez-Varela
- Departamento de Medicina Preventiva y Salud Pública, Ciencias de la Alimentación, Toxicología y Medicina Legal, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad de Valencia, Av. Vicente Andrés Estellés, 46100, Burjassot, Valencia, Spain; Consorcio para la Investigación Biomédica en Red de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - D R Klisiowicz
- Post-Graduation Program in Microbiology, Parasitology and Pathology, Basic Pathology Department, Federal University of Parana, Curitiba, Brazil
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Over-the-counter Pediculus humanus capitis treatment: The nit comb is not appropriate for all hair types! J Am Pharm Assoc (2003) 2023; 63:46-49. [PMID: 36241488 DOI: 10.1016/j.japh.2022.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2022] [Revised: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/10/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Biological diversity of hair affects what stress the hair can withstand. This proves to create a gap in care when evaluating over-the-counter (OTC) products available to treat Pediculus humanus capitis (head lice) in the United States. The nit comb would not be conducive for use in an individual with African hair, yet all OTC product instructions list the requirement of the nit comb. Lice treatment products provide instructions that are applicable for only specific hair types and do not address treatment recommendations for African hair. The OTC product instructions are outdated and exclusionary. A clear discrepancy and gap in care exist for many Americans seeking self-care treatment of pediculosis capitis. Pharmacists should remain aware of this discrepancy and counsel on alternative practices such as applying the active formulations in the hair but refrain from using the nit comb following the application of the topical medication.
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Estonian Parents' Awareness of Pediculosis and Its Occurrence in Their Children. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2022; 58:medicina58121773. [PMID: 36556975 PMCID: PMC9784162 DOI: 10.3390/medicina58121773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2022] [Revised: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Pediculosis, or head lice infestation, is a widespread health problem that can affect anyone, regardless of gender, age, or social background. The purpose of this study was to clarify the occurrence of pediculosis among Estonian preschool- and primary school-aged children according to their parents and the parent’s awareness of pediculosis and related behaviors. Materials and Methods: An online questionnaire was completed by the parents of the preschool children (n = 1141) in 2019 and the parents of the elementary school children (n = 362) in 2021. For the descriptive data, t-test, Mann−Whitney or χ2 test, linear regression, and logistic regression analyses were applied. Results: According to the parents, pediculosis had occurred in 34.7% of the children, and more than one-third of pediculosis patients had experienced it more than twice. Lice were mainly acquired from elementary school or preschool and less often from friends, relatives, or training environments. Parents’ knowledge of head lice was rather good; the average score of the correct answers was 14.0 ± 3.4 (max. 20). In the multivariate analysis, higher age (coefficient 0.07, p < 0.001), healthcare education (coefficient 1.19, p < 0.001), and a previous occurrence of pediculosis in a family (coefficient 1.95; p < 0.001) were factors influencing better knowledge. In order to treat the infestation, antilice shampoo and combing were the most often used methods. Conclusion: Despite parents’ awareness, pediculosis infestations continue to be common among our children.
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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.
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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
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Gizaw Z, Engdaw GT, Nigusie A, Gebrehiwot M, Destaw B. Human Ectoparasites Are Highly Prevalent in the Rural Communities of Northwest Ethiopia: A Community-Based Cross-Sectional Study. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH INSIGHTS 2021; 15:11786302211034463. [PMID: 34366670 PMCID: PMC8299896 DOI: 10.1177/11786302211034463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2021] [Accepted: 06/30/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ectoparasites are organisms which inhabit the skin or outgrowths of the skin of another organism (the host). Many ectoparasites are known to be vectors of pathogens, which the parasites typically transmit to hosts. Though, ectoparasites are common in the vulnerable groups and economically disadvantaged communities, there is limited evidence on its magnitude in Ethiopia. This community-based cross-sectional study was, therefore, conducted to assess the prevalence and associated factors of ectoparasites in the rural communities of northwest Ethiopia. METHODS A community-based cross-sectional study design with structured observation was conducted among 1191 randomly selected rural households in northwest Ethiopia in May 2016. Data were collected using structured interviewer administered interview questionnaire and structured observation checklist. Prevalence of human ectoparasites in the rural communities was defined as the presence of one or more lice, fleas, bed bugs, mites, and ticks and the presence of these ectoparasites were observed by trained environmental health experts. Multivariable binary logistic regression analysis was used to identify variables associated with prevalence of ectoparasites on the basis of adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) and P values <.05. RESULTS Of a total of 1191 rural households, human or hair lice were observed in one or more of the family members in 186 (15.6%) rural households. Similarly, fleas were observed in more than half, 609 (51.1%) of rural households and bed bugs were observed in 441 (37%) rural households. Furthermore, mites and ticks were reported in 113 (9.5%) and 130 (10.9%) of the households respectively. Accordingly, one or more ectoparasites were observed in 865 of 1191 rural households. The presence of one or more ectoparasites was, therefore, found to be 72.6% (95% CI = 70%-75.1%). The prevalence of ectoparasites was statistically associated with educational status of the female head being not educated (AOR = 1.476, 95% CI = 1.001, 2.177) and absence close supervision by health extension workers (AOR = 2.151, 95% CI = 1.205, 3.843). CONCLUSION The prevalence of one or more ectoparasites was high in the rural communities of northwest Ethiopia. The high prevalence was associated with education status of the female head and close supervision of households by health extension workers. Disseminating health information about intervention strategies of ectoparasites and closely supervising the rural households need to be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zemichael Gizaw
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety, Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Garedew Tadege Engdaw
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety, Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Adane Nigusie
- Department of Health Education and Behavioral Sciences, Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Mulat Gebrehiwot
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety, Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Bikes Destaw
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety, Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
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Norouzi R, Jafari S, Meshkati H, Bagheri Amiri F, Siyadatpanah A. Prevalence of Pediculus capitis Infestation among Primary School Students in East Azerbaijan Province, Iran (2018 – 2019). MEDICAL LABORATORY JOURNAL 2021. [DOI: 10.29252/mlj.15.1.13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022] Open
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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.
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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
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Rezaee E, Heidari F, Nowrouzi M. Investigation of the prevalence of Head Lice and Factors Affecting Them in Infected People Referring to Gerash County Health Center. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF EPIDEMIOLOGIC RESEARCH 2020. [DOI: 10.34172/ijer.2020.12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and aims: Pediculosis is one of the most common parasitic diseases that affect a wide range of age groups. The prevention of head lice infections promotes the physical and mental health of people in the community. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of head lice infections and the factors affecting them in those who referred to health centers in Gerash County from 2011 to 2018. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on patients suspected with head lice infections in health centers in Gerash. These infections were diagnosed by observing adult lice, nymphs, or nits on the head with the help of a magnifying glass. The collected data were then analyzed using SPSS software, version 22 and P˂ 0.05 was considered as the significance level. Results: In general, 66410 patients suspected with head lice were examined, of whom 2,547 cases (3.83%) were reported with confirmed infections including 2395 female (94.03%) and 152 male (5.97%) cases. The highest levels of infections were reported in the age group of 6-10 years while the lowest levels of infections were found in children less than 6 years of age. A significant statistical relationship was observed between head lice and gender, age, season, and the place of residence, and year of infection (P<0.05). Conclusion: Due to the increasing trend of head lice infections in recent years, pediculosis is still considered a health problem. Therefore, training on personal hygiene, adequate access to health services, and early diagnosis and treatment can play an important role in the prevention and elimination of head lice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elham Rezaee
- MSc in Medical Parasitology, Gerash University of Medical Sciences, Gerash, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Heidari
- MSc in Intensive Care Nursing, Gerash University of Medical Sciences,Gerash, Iran
| | - Mohammad Nowrouzi
- BSc in General Health, Gerash University of Medical Sciences, Gerash, Iran
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Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice of Pediculus Capitis Prevention and Control and Their Predictors among Schoolchildren in Woreta Town, Northwest Ethiopia, 2018: A School-Based Cross-Sectional Study. Int J Pediatr 2020; 2020:3619494. [PMID: 32695186 PMCID: PMC7350088 DOI: 10.1155/2020/3619494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2020] [Revised: 06/02/2020] [Accepted: 06/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Pediculus capitis is a human head lice infestation, a major public health issue that is most prevalent in resource-limited countries globally. The current study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice of pediculus capitis prevention and control and their predictors among schoolchildren in North West Ethiopia. Methods About 402 randomly selected schoolchildren from three schools in Woreta town participated in the study from April to June 2018. The outcomes of this study were knowledge, attitude, and self-reported practice of schoolchildren about pediculus capitis prevention and control. We used EPI Info 7.1 and SPSS 21 software for data entry and analysis, respectively. Binary logistic regression was employed to test the association of covariates with the outcome/response variables. Variables with a p value <0.2 during the bivariable binary logistic regression analysis were included in the multivariable binary logistic regression analysis. Variables with p value <0.05 were declared as significantly associated with outcomes. Results The mean age of the study participants was 10.19 (±1.62) years. About 58.8%, 45.8%, and 78.6% of the schoolchildren had better self-reported pediculus capitis prevention knowledge, attitude, and practice, respectively. Age of children [9 to 11 years (AOR = 2.24, 95% C.I (1.10, 4.55)) and>12 years (AOR = 3.84, 95% C.I (1.56, 9.46))], better practice (AOR = 2.93, 95% C.I (1.39, 6.18)), and those who were not infested (AOR = 2.25, 95% C.I (1.14, 4.44)) were predictors of knowledge regarding pediculus capitis prevention. Better practice (AOR = 4.33, 95% C.I (1.69, 11.09)) and absence of infestation (AOR = 2.97, 95% C.I (1.64, 5.36)) were predictors of attitude of schoolchildren about pediculus capitis prevention. Number of students in a class [51 to 56 students per classroom, AOR = 4.61, 95% C.I (1.83, 11.67); 57 to 58 students per classroom, AOR = 8.18, 95% C.I (2.73, 24.46)], less than five family size (AOR = 2.37, 95% C.I (1.24, 4.54)), better knowledge (AOR = 2.93, 95% C.I (1.32, 6.50)), desirable attitude (AOR = 4.24, 95% C.I (1.60, 11.23)), and absence of infestation (AOR = 3.52, 95% C.I (1.22, 10.15)) were predictors of self-reported pediculus capitis prevention practice. Conclusion The knowledge, attitude, and practice of schoolchildren regarding pediculus capitis prevention and control were not satisfactory. To bring change, intensive efforts on factors associated with the knowledge, attitude, and practice should be encouraged.
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Djohan V, Angora KE, Miezan S, Bédia AK, Konaté A, Vanga-Bosson AH, Kassi FK, Kiki-Barro P, Yavo W, Menan EI. Pediculosis capitis in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire: Epidemiological profile and associated risk factors. Parasite Epidemiol Control 2020; 11:e00159. [PMID: 32715112 PMCID: PMC7371914 DOI: 10.1016/j.parepi.2020.e00159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2019] [Revised: 06/02/2020] [Accepted: 06/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Pediculosis capitis (PC) is a parasitic infestation, common in children's communities caused by Pediculus humanus capitis. Various factors including infestation-related stigma, treatment cost and health risks make this infestation deserves special attention. This study aims to determine epidemiological profile of pediculosis capitis twenty years after the last study in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire. An epidemiological cross-sectional survey was carried out from April to June 2018 across 40 public primary schools in the ten districts of Abidjan. Data from schoolchildren and parents and/or guardians were collected using a pretested questionnaire after agreement and signature of the informed consent form. Head lice were identified visually with a magnifying glass, and then collected using fine combs and hairbrushes. The positive diagnosis was made by the detection of living lice in the hair. Of the 4, 805 included participants, 28 (0.58%) were hosting living lice in hair. Analysis of associated factors showed that gender related-status was associated with PC. In this case, girls were more affected than boys (p=0.018). Plateau, Treichville and Port Bouët municipalities were the most affected (p=0.018). The length hair was associated with the occurrence of PC (p<0,001). Schoolchildren from families with low monthly income was most infected by PC (p=0.023). Some parameters such as promiscuity and collective use of washing facilities and bedding, were not found to be associated to head lice infestation. This study shows a drastic decrease of PC prevalence in Abidjan corresponding to 97%. This could be due to the improvement in the quality of life and education of the population of Abidjan. The establishment of hygiene committees and the teaching of basic hygiene practices from the first school years have contributed to these achievements. Maintaining these measures will contribute to the sustainable elimination of CP among children in Abidjan.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Djohan
- Département de parasitologie-mycologie, UFR Sciences Pharmaceutiques et Biologiques, Université Félix Houphouët-Boigny, 01 BPV 34 Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire.,Institut Pierre Richet/Institut National de Santé Publique, Bouaké, 01 BP 1500 Bouaké, Côte d'Ivoire
| | - K E Angora
- Département de parasitologie-mycologie, UFR Sciences Pharmaceutiques et Biologiques, Université Félix Houphouët-Boigny, 01 BPV 34 Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire
| | - S Miezan
- Département de parasitologie-mycologie, UFR Sciences Pharmaceutiques et Biologiques, Université Félix Houphouët-Boigny, 01 BPV 34 Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire
| | - A K Bédia
- Département de parasitologie-mycologie, UFR Sciences Pharmaceutiques et Biologiques, Université Félix Houphouët-Boigny, 01 BPV 34 Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire
| | - A Konaté
- Département de parasitologie-mycologie, UFR Sciences Pharmaceutiques et Biologiques, Université Félix Houphouët-Boigny, 01 BPV 34 Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire
| | - A H Vanga-Bosson
- Département de parasitologie-mycologie, UFR Sciences Pharmaceutiques et Biologiques, Université Félix Houphouët-Boigny, 01 BPV 34 Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire
| | - F K Kassi
- Département de parasitologie-mycologie, UFR Sciences Pharmaceutiques et Biologiques, Université Félix Houphouët-Boigny, 01 BPV 34 Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire
| | - Pcm Kiki-Barro
- Département de parasitologie-mycologie, UFR Sciences Pharmaceutiques et Biologiques, Université Félix Houphouët-Boigny, 01 BPV 34 Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire
| | - W Yavo
- Département de parasitologie-mycologie, UFR Sciences Pharmaceutiques et Biologiques, Université Félix Houphouët-Boigny, 01 BPV 34 Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire
| | - E I Menan
- Département de parasitologie-mycologie, UFR Sciences Pharmaceutiques et Biologiques, Université Félix Houphouët-Boigny, 01 BPV 34 Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire
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