Pediculosis capitis: prevalence and its associated factors in primary school children living in rural and urban areas in Kayseri, Turkey

High mitochondrial gene diversity of Pediculus humanus capitis among children in northern Iran

BACKGROUND

The head louse, Pediculus humanus capitis, is an obligate ectoparasite and its infestation remains a major public health issue worldwide. Determining the genetic characteristics of the existing clades is essential to identify the population structure and to develop head lice-control programs. Hence, we aimed to investigate the genetic diversity of head lice among infested individuals in northern Iran.

METHODS

Adult head lice were collected from 100 infested individuals referring to the health centers throughout five geographical regions in Mazandaran Province, Iran. Partial fragments of the mitochondrial cytb gene were amplified by PCR, then consequently sequenced.

RESULTS

The results of the phylogenetic tree of collected head lice confirmed the existence of two clades, A and B, in the studied areas. Thirteen haplotypes were detected in the studied populations, of which 11 were novel haplotypes. Clade A was the dominant form and accounted for 75% of samples, while clade B included the rest. Haplotype and nucleotide diversity were 0.999 and 0.0411, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Clade A and B of Pediculus humanus capitis exist among the human populations of northern Iran. We observed high genotypic diversity of this head lice.

Pediculosis capitis risk factors in schoolchildren: hair thickness and hair length

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.

Comparing the efficacy of three methods of permethrin application in pediculosis capitis: A randomized clinical trial

BACKGROUND

Pediculosis capitis, also known as head lice, is a common problem that affects individuals of different socio-economic backgrounds. Permethrin is generally considered the first-line treatment option for head lice.

AIMS

The objective of this study was to evaluate and compare the therapeutic effects of three different methods of permethrin treatment for head lice.

METHOD

A parallel, randomized clinical trial was conducted on 157 patients with head lice. The participants underwent eye examination and dry combing by a trained professional. The subjects were randomly divided into three groups and treated with one of the three methods of permethrin application: permethrin shampoo for 10 min, permethrin shampoo for 1 h, or permethrin cream for 10 min on a weekly basis for 3 weeks.

RESULTS

Of the 157 participants, 154 completed the study. The group treated with permethrin shampoo for 1 h had the shortest average time for eradication of lice at 1.226 ± 0.422 weeks, which was significantly lower than the other two groups. Additionally, the 1-h permethrin shampoo group had the lowest time for scalp itching of 2.15 ± 0.632 weeks, which was significantly lower than the other two groups. Moreover, the rate of lice eradication in the first week was significantly higher in the 1-h permethrin shampoo group.

CONCLUSION

The results of this study suggest that the use of 1% permethrin shampoo for 1 h is more effective in eradicating head lice within the first week of treatment and in relieving scalp itching during the second week.

Estonian Parents' Awareness of Pediculosis and Its Occurrence in Their Children

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.

Pediculosis knowledge among schoolchildren parents and its relation with head lice prevalence

Pediculosis mainly affects school-age children worldwide. The aim of this study was to identify and analyze the knowledge of the parents and guardians of children in elementary schools in Niterói, Brazil, regarding pediculosis. Questionnaires were applied to 237 guardians of children at five 1-5 grade municipal schools. The responses were analyzed and correlated with positivity to louse infestation, detected by scalp aspiration. 73.8% of the respondents reported that their child had already been infested with lice. 32.9% presented correct responses about transmission. Incorrect responses were attributed to the air/wind, blood type and the fact that lice jump and fly. 40.1% of the respondents erroneously correlated control over the parasitosis with hygiene. A majority of the participants (58.6%) responded that pediculosis is harmful to health, while a small proportion (20.7%) considered it to be a disease. The prevalence of pediculosis was 19.8% among schoolchildren. Female sex, pruritus on the head and indifference regarding infestation were shown to be risk factors for pediculosis. The lack of perception of pediculosis as a disease may lead to naturalization of this parasitosis. Incorrect responses may add difficulty to implementation of preventive and curative approaches, which highlights the importance of dissemination of correct information about pediculosis.

Assessment of the prevalence of pediculosis capitis and related effective features among primary schoolchildren in Ahvaz County, Southwest of Iran

The present research was carried out to investigate the prevalence of head lice and related effective features among students in primary schools of Ahvaz County; Iran; to suitable training programs via improve the health promotion of the students in this county during winter 2016 and spring 2017. The sample size was 5930 students that was determined by using a single population proportion formula. In this analytical-descriptive study, samples were selected by a multistep, classification random sampling strategy. The data was collected in two parts, a carefully visual examination of the hair and scalp with head lice comb, and an interview to complete a questionnaire about epidemiologic factors. The collected data was evaluated using SPSS software, version 22. These data were compared using a Chi-square analysis, and a p value of less than 0.05 was considered to be significant. The overall head lice infestation rate in the studied population was 26.3%. The prevalence rate was 15.2% in the boys and 37.9% in the girls, while the rate of infestation was 25.1% in the urban areas and 36.9% in the villages. Also, a statistical significant relationship was observed between Pediculosis capitis and gender, geographical area, type of home, access to tap water, hygiene bath at home, bath times per week, the number of family individuals, sleeping in the common bedroom, use common bedding, daily comb, use common comb, use common towel, use common scarf, history of infestation, presence health educator in school, access to primary health services, knowledge about head lice, infestation in the family, performing personal hygiene, itching on the head and hair style, length, density, and color. The high prevalence of head lice among students in the majority of primary schools in Ahvaz County is attributable to inadequate access to health educators, sanitation facilities, inattention to personal health, and other related factors. The controlling program must be done more efficiently to prevent the prevalence of head lice infestation. It is suggested that the people's knowledge and attitude about biology, clinical presentation, prevention, and treatment strategies of pediculosis capitis should be improved.

Pediculosis capitis among school-age students worldwide as an emerging public health concern: a systematic review and meta-analysis of past five decades

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.

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

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.

Forecasting head lice (Pediculidae: Pediculus humanus capitis) infestation incidence hotspots based on spatial correlation analysis in Northwest Iran

Background and Aim

Pediculus humanus capitis has been prevalent throughout the world, especially in developing countries among elementary students and societies with a weak socio-economic status. This study aimed to forecast head lice (Pediculidae: P. capitis) infestation incidence hotspots based on spatial correlation analysis in Ardabil Province, Northwest Iran.

Materials and Methods

In this retrospective analytical study, all cases of head lice infestations who were confirmed by Centers for Disease Control office have been studied from 2016 to 2018. Head lice infestation incidence hotspots in the province should be detected based on general G statistics in ArcMap GIS10.4.1. Furthermore, MaxEnt.3.3.3 model was used for modeling the high-risk areas.

Results

The prevalence rate of pediculosis was 14.90/100,000 populations. The general G statistics revealed that the head lice infestation in this study area has a high cluster pattern. The analysis showed that the Parsabad and Germi counties were identified as a head lice infestation incidence hotspots. Statistical and spatial analyses of head lice infestation incidence showed a significant positive correlation with head lice infestation incidence hotspots and the altitudes (15-500 m), annual temperature range (14-16.5°C), and slope and average diurnal temperature (12-18°C).

Conclusion

The results of this study showed that the most ecologically suitable areas of head lice occurrence were identified in two hotspots (Parsabad and Germi) in the Northern areas of Ardabil Province (Parsabad and Germi counties); in the borderline of Iran and the Republic of Azerbaijan.

Risk Factors Associated with Head Lice Infestation in Rural Pediatric Patients

Introduction:

Head louse infestation is a common parasitic disease in pediatric age group. It is common in collective centers such as schools, garrisons, campuses and old age homes. It is worldwide in distribution with no strict limitation with respect to age, gender and race.

Aims:

Present study was conducted to investigate the socio-economic and lifestyle risk factors for head louse infestation in pediatric patients.

Materials and Methods:

An observational descriptive study at a tertiary care hospital in rural Uttar Pradesh over a period of 1 year wherein measurement of disease/risk factors associated with head louse infestation was performed. It was carried out in all children between 5 and 15 years of age using a pre-validated questionnaire. The method of convenience sampling was used and multiple logistic regression was run to account for potential confounding variables using SPSS software.

Results:

A total of 165 (71.1%) females and 67 (28.8%) males were infested. Most common age group affected was between 5 and 7 years where 97 (41.8%) children were infected. Ninety-five (40.9%) children were in fourth to seventh standards. Parents of 137 (59%) children were not formally educated. Eighty-one (34.9%) children had six members in the family while per capita income was between 5000 and 2500 in families of 139 (59.9%) children. Eighty-seven (37.5%) children had hair length up to shoulders. One twenty-eight (55.1%) children had no family member affected. Seventy-six (32.7%) children took bath twice a week only.

Conclusion:

Social and economic factors as well as lifestyle and education level of patients play a significant role in epidemiology of head lice.

Scalp microbiota alterations in children with pediculosis

Pediculosis is a disease caused by the insect Pediculus humanus capitis that mainly occurs in childhood. A comparative study was carried out evaluating groups of schoolchildren with (group A) and without pediculosis (group B) to analyse the characteristics of the scalp microbiota. Samples were collected by swab using Stuart transport medium and incubate in Sabouraud dextrose agar with tetracycline to analyse the fungal microbiota and in blood agar to assess the bacterial microbiota. The isolates identity was confirmed by sequencing of the 16S and 18S regions of the ribosomal DNA gene for bacteria and fungi, respectively. The analysis of the 186 isolates led to the identification of 35 bacteria and 40 fungi in group A and 47 bacteria and 64 fungi in group B. The results indicate differences in bacterial and fungal species in the groups analysed. In the observed bacterial microbiota, Staphylococcus capitis occurred more frequently than Staphylococcus epidermidis in group A vs B. Among fungal isolates, Debaryomyces sp. was more frequent in group B vs A. Our findings showed scalp microbiota alterations in children with pediculosis, meriting future studies to analyse the relationship between these agents and their impact on human health.

Head Lice among Governmental Primary School Students in Southern Jordan: Prevalence and Risk Factors

Background:

Head lice, a common social and health problem among all age groups, is especially widespread among school-aged children.

Aims:

This study aimed to assess the prevalence of pediculosis capitis among governmental primary school students in Southern Jordan and its related risk factors.

Settings and Design:

A sample of 500 primary schools students aged 6–12 from two male and two female public primary schools in four educational directorates were selected randomly in this cross-sectional study.

Materials and Methods:

Data were collected using a modified questionnaire that was completed by the students with the help of their parents. Students were then asked to return the questionnaire a day ahead of the examination date with a signed consent from the parents.

Statistical Analysis:

SPSS software was used with Chi-square testing to study the significant relationship between lice infestation prevalence and the independent variables. Statistical significance was set at P < 0.05.

Results and Conclusion:

The overall prevalence of lice infestation was 20.4% and was significantly higher among girls than boys. The prevalence rate was higher among rural residents, those living in shared rooms, families with a monthly income of <200 Jordanian Dinar, illiterate father and mother, those living in families with more than five members, houses with fewer than three rooms, students with longer hair, those with a history of infestation in the previous year, and students who share home articles with other family members. Female gender, low socioeconomic status, a history of contact, inadequate hygiene practices, and sharing articles were the major risk factors.

Prevalence of head lice infestation and pediculicidal effect of permethrine shampoo in primary school girls in a low-income area in southeast of Iran

Background

Head lice infestation is a common public health problem that is most prevalent in primary school children throughout the world, especially in developing countries including different parts of Iran. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and risk factors associated with head lice infestation and pediculicidal effect of 1% permethrin shampoo in primary schools girls of Bashagard County, one of the low socioeconomic areas in southeast of Iran.

Methods

In this interventional study six villages with similar demographical situations were selected and randomly assigned into intervention and control areas. In each area 150 girl students aged 7–12 years were selected randomly and screened for head lice infestation by visual scalp examination. In intervention area, treatment efficacy of 1% permethrin shampoo was evaluated via re-examination for infestation after one, two, and three weeks. Pre-tested structured questionnaire was used to collect data on socio-demographic and associated factors of head lice infestation.

Results

The prevalence of head lice infestation was 67.3%. There was significant association between head lice infestation and school grade, family size, parents’ literacy, bathing facilities, frequency of hair washing, and use of shared articles (p < 0.05). The effectiveness of 1% permethrin shampoo for head lice treatment was 29.2, 68.9, and 90.3% after the first, second, and third weeks, respectively.

Conclusion

The head lice infestation is a health problem in primary school girls of Bashagard County. Improvement of socioeconomic status and providing appropriate educational programs about head lice risk factors and prevention can be effective for reduction of infestation in this area.

Trial registration

This trial has been registered and approved by Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences ethical committee (Trial No.764). Trial registration date: March 17 2014.

Epidemiological comparative study of pediculosis capitis among primary school children in Fayoum and Minofiya governorates, Egypt

Pediculosis is a frequent public health problem. The pattern and prevalence of Pediculosis is dependent on many socio-demographic and economic factors. It is common in schoolchildren especially primary level; it may affect their learning performance. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of head louse among primary students, in Fayoum and Bagor districts, and explore the predisposing factors of head louse infestation in both public and private schools. The study was a cross-sectional descriptive study, conducted in two governorates: Fayoum and Minofiya governorates which represent upper and lower Egypt respectively during the academic year of 2012-2013. The students were selected from different grades with a total of 10,935 students. The prevalence of head lice in the study group was 16.7 %. The incidence was higher in public schools 20.7 % than private schools 9.04 % and in girls 25.8 % more than boys, especially covered hair girls 6.2 %. There was a socio-demographic influence of louse infestation on residence, presence of water supply, number of house rooms, and number of family member. It is concluded that head lice are a common childhood problem related to poor hygiene and socioeconomic status. There is a need for collaboration effort between family, school, community, and media, to create an environment that establishes healthy behaviors and health promotion.

Prevalence of Head Lice Infestation and Its Associated Factors among Primary School Students in Iran: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Objectives

Head lice infestation is one of the most important health problems, generally involving children aged 5–13 years. This study aims to estimate the prevalence of head lice infestation and its associated factors among primary school children using systematic review and meta-analysis methods.

Methods

Different national and international databases were searched for selecting the relevant studies using appropriate keywords, Medical Subject Heading terms, and references. Relevant studies with acceptable quality for meta-analysis were selected having excluded duplicate and irrelevant articles, quality assessment, and application of inclusion/exclusion criteria. With calculating standard errors according to binomial distribution and also considering the Cochrane's Q test as well as I-squared index for heterogeneity, pediculosis prevalence rate was estimated using Stata SE V.11 software.

Results

Forty studies met the inclusion criteria of this review and entered into the meta-analysis including 200,306 individuals. Using a random effect model, the prevalence (95% confidence interval) of head lice infestation among primary school children was estimated as 1.6% (1.2–2.05), 8.8% (7.6–9.9), and 7.4% (6.6–8.2) for boys, girls, and all the students, respectively. The infestation rate was found to be associated with low educational level of parents, long hair, family size, mother's job (housewife), father's job (worker/unemployed), using a common comb, lack of bathrooms in the house, and a low frequency of bathing.

Conclusion

This meta-analysis revealed that the prevalence of head lice infestation among Iranian primary school children is relatively high with more prevalence among girls. We also found that economic, social, cultural, behavioral, and hygienic factors are associated with this infestation.