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Babazadeh T, Chollou KM, Abedi‐Nerbin S, Abedi‐Nerbin S, Shahnavaz‐Yoshanluie F, Ranjbaran S. Head lice infestation and the role of some cognitive-behavioral factors in its spread and prevention among adolescent girls: A cross-sectional study in Northwest Iran. Health Sci Rep 2023; 6:e1679. [PMID: 37927538 PMCID: PMC10620377 DOI: 10.1002/hsr2.1679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Revised: 10/14/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background and Aims Head lice is a public health problem of worldwide distribution, particularly among school children and girls. Head lice infestation (HLI) can lead to negative social and psychological outcomes such as distress and anxiety in children and their families. Hence, the present study aimed to investigate the role of cognitive-behavioral factors in its spread and prevention among adolescent girls. Methods The cross-sectional study was conducted among 276 school-aged adolescent girls from September 2022 to January 2023 in Herris, a city located in Northwest Iran. A multistage cluster random sample was used to recruit adolescent girls in secondary schools. Two schools were randomly selected from five secondary schools. Then, students in each school were randomly selected from a school list. Data were collected using a valid and reliable questionnaire. Results The high protective behaviors were significantly associated with the number of family members (ß = 0.158; p value = 0.012). An additional 21.8% of the variation in preventive behaviors was explained by cognitive factors as predictor variables (p value > 0.05). Perceived collective family efficacy, perceived barriers, perceived self-efficacy, and response efficacy were predictors of head lice preventive behaviors, respectively. Among all variables, perceived collective family efficacy was the strongest predictor. Conclusions The findings of current research support the determinants of the cognitive-behavioral factors in the spread and prevention of HLI. It is better to involve these factors in school-based educational programs by policymakers and healthcare providers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Towhid Babazadeh
- Department of Public HealthSarab Faculty of Medical SciencesSarabIran
| | | | | | | | | | - Soheila Ranjbaran
- Department of Public HealthSarab Faculty of Medical SciencesSarabIran
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Morales-Suarez-Varela M, Álvarez-Fernández BE, Peraita-Costa I, Llopis-Morales A, Valero MA. Pediculosis humanus capitis in 6-7 years old schoolchildren in Valencia, Spain. Cent Eur J Public Health 2023; 31:144-150. [PMID: 37451249 DOI: 10.21101/cejph.a7640] [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: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Pediculosis humanus capitis is a worldwide public health concern that affects mostly school-aged children. The aim of this study is to determine the rate of pediculosis and to determine possible risk factors in a group of primary school children in Valencia, Spain; 227 children, 6-7 years old, were selected from 7 schools. METHODS A self-reported questionnaire completed by the parents/guardians about the presence of pediculosis in their children and their knowledge about pediculosis. The results recorded in the questionnaire were analysed by SPSS® software. RESULTS 30.4% of the children had pediculosis. The results showed significant variation (p < 0.05) in prevalence depending on the following factors: sex, hair length, level of parental education, family size, presence of affected family member in the home, and frequency of hair washing. Less than half of parents/guardians showed an appropriate level of knowledge on pediculosis. Pediculosis remains a health problem in Valencian schoolchildren. The family size and existence of another member with pediculosis were shown to be the main potentiating factors. CONCLUSIONS Parents are not sufficiently informed about pediculosis and adopt inappropriate practices. There is a need to promote studies with the objective of determining risk factors for pediculosis as well as the need for actions to increase the knowledge of parents and healthcare professionals on this parasitosis to prevent outbreaks in the community, assure correct treatment and maintain effective epidemiological surveillance.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Morales-Suarez-Varela
- Research Group in Social and Nutritional Epidemiology, Pharmacoepidemiology and Public Health, Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Food Sciences, Toxicology and Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Valencia, Burjassot, Spain
- CIBER of Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Carlos III Health Institute, Madrid, Spain
| | - Blanca E Álvarez-Fernández
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Valencia, Burjassot, Spain
- Faculty of Chemistry-Biological Sciences, Autonomous University of Guerrero, Chilpancingo, Guerrero, Mexico
| | - Isabel Peraita-Costa
- Research Group in Social and Nutritional Epidemiology, Pharmacoepidemiology and Public Health, Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Food Sciences, Toxicology and Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Valencia, Burjassot, Spain
- CIBER of Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Carlos III Health Institute, Madrid, Spain
| | - Agustín Llopis-Morales
- Research Group in Social and Nutritional Epidemiology, Pharmacoepidemiology and Public Health, Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Food Sciences, Toxicology and Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Valencia, Burjassot, Spain
| | - M. Adela Valero
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Valencia, Burjassot, Spain
- CIBER of Infectious Diseases (CIBERINFEC), Carlos III Health Institute, Madrid, Spain
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Karimi B. Health Conditions in Tehran's Girl Schools from 1927 to 1934: A Brief Survey. ARCHIVES OF IRANIAN MEDICINE 2023; 26:119-123. [PMID: 37543933 PMCID: PMC10685902 DOI: 10.34172/aim.2023.19] [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: 04/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/30/2022] [Indexed: 08/08/2023]
Abstract
A new model of relations emerged in schools after the establishment of new educational centers in Iran in the mid-Qajar era. The cultural authorities of the time were particularly interested in school health, which was adopted as a principle from the European, particularly French, school systems. During the period 1925 to 1941, with special attention to the new Western models of education, school health changed more and more. This study provides a descriptive-analytical report on state health policies in girl schools in Tehran, Iran, from 1927 to 1934, based on health records available at the National Archives of Iran. The findings reveal that since the mid-first Pahlavi era, officials from the Ministry of Science became increasingly involved in the issue of health, which resulted in institutionalization of health and medical examination of students, establishment of the School Health Office, publication of theoretical health discussions in magazines, and teaching of health principles to students, thereby improving the level of health in Tehran schools during the study period. The study aims to provide Iranian physicians and health policymakers with a review of this historical experience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Behzad Karimi
- Department of Iranian Studies, Meybod University, Yazd, Iran
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4
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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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Al Ghadeer HA, Busaleh F, Albahrani HM, Albisher AM, AlHassan A, AlAmer HM, Alibrahim HM, Alherz AH, Al Muaibid AF, Aljubran TM. Pediculosis Is a Risk Factor for Iron Deficiency Anaemia. Cureus 2022; 14:e22403. [PMID: 35371818 PMCID: PMC8942039 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.22403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Pediculosis capitis is obligate ectoparasite that lives and feeds on host blood, affecting commonly children. Lice are transmitted easily and respond to topical treatment with good personal hygiene. Chronic infestation can lead to different complications such as bacterial infection dermatitis and anaemia. Haematological complications are not reported frequently. We report a case series of five patients presented with a clear manifestation of anaemia with heavy lice infestation. Laboratory evaluation revealed microcytic hypochromic anaemia (red blood cell indices) with low serum iron levels and other causes that were excluded. All patients who were admitted received blood transfusions. There was not a possible explanation for this severe anaemia other than head lice.
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Toghroli R, Hosseini Z, Ziapour A, Yari A, Rahimi SF, Mehedi N. Explaining the Determinants of Pediculosis Control and Prevention: A Qualitative Study in Southern Iran. INQUIRY: THE JOURNAL OF HEALTH CARE ORGANIZATION, PROVISION, AND FINANCING 2022; 59:469580221086369. [PMID: 35363562 PMCID: PMC8977690 DOI: 10.1177/00469580221086369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
In many regions of the world, human head lice infestations caused by Pediculus capitis are a major health concern among school-aged children. This study was carried out to explain variables influencing pediculosis prevention and control from the perspective of parents and teachers of female elementary school pupils, as well as healthcare practitioners in Bandar Abbas, Iran. Participants in this qualitative study included 23 participants, including parents and teachers of primary school girls, as well as healthcare practitioners. Purposive sampling was employed and sustained until data saturation was reached. Data was acquired through in-depth interviews and evaluated using content analysis in the form of constant comparison. To assess the quality of the outcomes, Lincoln and Guba’s criteria were used. The data were extracted into 2 primary categories, including challenges and facilitators to controlling pediculosis, each with several subcategories as follows: 1) economic-political aspects; 2) family factors; 3) social-cultural elements; 4) personal and mental issues; 5) geographical position of the investigated region; 6) school and education factors; and 7) factors related to medications and therapy. There were 2 types of facilitators: 1) informative factors and 2) social-cultural variables. According to the findings, pediculosis prevention, control, and treatment necessitate multifaceted and multi-level intervention. Some solutions must be addressed at the personal-psychological, familial, political-economic, geographical, and informational levels, as well as school-related concerns, social stigma elimination, and evaluation of cultural components of the issue at the social level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Razie Toghroli
- Social Determinants in Health Promotion Research Center, Hormozgan Health Institute, Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences, Bandar Abbas, Iran
| | - Zahra Hosseini
- Tobacco and Health Research Center, Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences, Bandar Abbas, Iran
| | - Arash Ziapour
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Health Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Asiyeh Yari
- School of Health, Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences, Bandar Abbas, Iran
| | | | - Nafiul Mehedi
- Department of Social Work, Shahjalal University of Science and Technology, Sylhet, Bangladesh
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8
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Baghdadi HB, Omer EOM, Metwally DM, Abdel-Gaber R. Prevalence of head lice ( Pediculus humanus capitis) infestation among schools workers in the Eastern Region, Saudi Arabia. Saudi J Biol Sci 2021; 28:5662-5666. [PMID: 34588877 PMCID: PMC8459046 DOI: 10.1016/j.sjbs.2021.06.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2021] [Revised: 05/18/2021] [Accepted: 06/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
In a cross-sectional survey in February-May 2019, the prevalence of Pediculosis capitis with demographic data and the behavioral practices were investigated among 750 participants in the Eastern region of Saudi Arabia. Female participation was highly remarked with a percentage of 94.08% compared to that of male one about 5.91%. A deficiency of knowledge about lice infestation was noted especially among illiterate participants raised from their socio-economic levels (p-value = 0.001). Lice infestation reached higher rates in children aged less than 20 years with itching of the hair scalp. The obtained results revealed that 59.33% of the respondents believed that frequency of personal hygiene and washing of hair were the best methods for preventing the lice infestation. However, the treatment of lice infestation using anti-lice agents (p-value = 0.020) was preferred by 14.26% of participants. Although knowledge about the preventive tools for lice infestation (p-value 0.089) was not significantly associated with the experience of infestation but knowledge about the appropriate treatment to kill lice (p-value 0.020) and the wrong practices in the treatment of a head lice infestation were (p-value 0.005) significantly associated with the experience of infestation. Health programs and campaigns preventions are highly advised to increase the awareness of Pediculosis capitis with an effective strategic plan to control, manage, and prevent this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanadi B Baghdadi
- Biology Department, College of Science, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Saudi Arabia.,Basic and Applied Scientific Research Center, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
| | - Eltigani O M Omer
- Department of Public Health, College of Public Health, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
| | - Dina M Metwally
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
| | - Rewaida Abdel-Gaber
- Department of Zoology, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.,Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
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Kassiri H, Mehraghaei M. Assessment of the prevalence of pediculosis capitis and related effective features among primary schoolchildren in Ahvaz County, Southwest of Iran. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2021; 28:22577-22587. [PMID: 33420692 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-020-12284-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2020] [Accepted: 12/28/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamid Kassiri
- Department of Medical Entomology, School of Health, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran.
| | - Mahmood Mehraghaei
- Department of Medical Entomology, School of Health, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
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Galassi F, Ortega-Insaurralde I, Adjemian V, Gonzalez-Audino P, Picollo MI, Toloza AC. Head lice were also affected by COVID-19: a decrease on Pediculosis infestation during lockdown in Buenos Aires. Parasitol Res 2021; 120:443-450. [PMID: 33409635 PMCID: PMC7787699 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-020-07038-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2020] [Accepted: 12/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Pediculosis is a worldwide disease affecting school-aged children produced by the presence of the head louse, Pediculus humanus capitis De Geer, an obligate ectoparasite on the human scalp feeding exclusively on blood. Transmission occurs primarily through direct physical head-to-head contact. In March 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the COVID-19 outbreak as a pandemic. COVID-19 is caused by SARS-CoV-2, a variant of the coronavirus. Therefore, on March 18, 2020, the Argentinean government established mandatory isolation for an indefinite period. This obligatory isolation interrupted regular classes avoiding direct contact between children, thus affecting the dispersal route of individuals and the evolution of head louse populations. In this study, we evaluated through an online survey how confinement affected the prevalence of lice during lockdown compared to the situation prior to confinement. The survey allowed to discriminate the different control strategies, the number of treatments, and the amount of insects recorded by parents. Data of 1118 children obtained from 627 surveys were analyzed. As the main result, it was observed that prevalence of lice decreased significantly from before (69.6%) to during (43.9%) COVID-19 lockdown. Moreover, head lice infestation was more effectively controlled in households with up to 2 children in comparison to households with 3 or more children. This is the first study that analyzed the prevalence of head lice during COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, this work demonstrated the impact of social distance in the population dynamics of head lice and how it could affect the control strategies in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federico Galassi
- Centro de Investigaciones de Plagas e Insecticidas, Unidad de Investigación y Desarrollo para la Defensa, (UNIDEF-CONICET), Juan Bautista de La Salle 4397, B1603ALO, Villa Martelli, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - Isabel Ortega-Insaurralde
- Grupo de Neuroetología de Insectos Vectores, Laboratorio Fisiología de Insectos, Instituto Biodiversidad y Biología Experimental y Aplicada (IBBEA, UBA-CONICET), Departamento Biodiversidad y Biología Experimental (DBBE), Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Ciudad Universitaria, Intendente Güiraldes 2160, C1428EGA, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Victor Adjemian
- Centro de Investigaciones de Plagas e Insecticidas, Unidad de Investigación y Desarrollo para la Defensa, (UNIDEF-CONICET), Juan Bautista de La Salle 4397, B1603ALO, Villa Martelli, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Paola Gonzalez-Audino
- Centro de Investigaciones de Plagas e Insecticidas, Unidad de Investigación y Desarrollo para la Defensa, (UNIDEF-CONICET), Juan Bautista de La Salle 4397, B1603ALO, Villa Martelli, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Maria Inés Picollo
- Centro de Investigaciones de Plagas e Insecticidas, Unidad de Investigación y Desarrollo para la Defensa, (UNIDEF-CONICET), Juan Bautista de La Salle 4397, B1603ALO, Villa Martelli, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Ariel Ceferino Toloza
- Centro de Investigaciones de Plagas e Insecticidas, Unidad de Investigación y Desarrollo para la Defensa, (UNIDEF-CONICET), Juan Bautista de La Salle 4397, B1603ALO, Villa Martelli, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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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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12
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Kassiri H, Fahdani AE, Cheraghian B. Comparative efficacy of permethrin 1%, lindane 1%, and dimeticone 4% for the treatment of head louse infestation in Iran. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2021; 28:3506-3514. [PMID: 32918266 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-020-10686-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2020] [Accepted: 08/30/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Pediculosis capitis occurs worldwide. Children in the age group of 5-13 years are the ordinary victims. Population-based studies show that the prevalence of pediculosis is 1.6-13.4% in various regions of Iran. In this observer-blinded trial, we conducted a study to evaluate the comparative efficacy and safety of permethrin 1% and lindane 1% shampoos and dimeticone 4% lotion to cure head lice infestation in children aged 7-13 years in female primary schools in Ahvaz City, Iran. Children with head lice were randomized to receive each treatment. Two applications of permethrin 1% or dimeticone 4% were done, 1 week apart. However, lindane 1% was used just once for treatment cases. Data analysis was done using SPSS software. Recovery differences between the groups were tested using the chi-squared test. Four hundred forty-four louse-infested schoolgirls were randomly treated with them. Permethrin, lindane, dimeticone, and placebo produced the recovery rates 56.8, 31.5, 51.4, and 10.8% on day 2 post-treatment, respectively. Cure rates were in the permethrin group on days 8 and 15, respectively, 69.4 and 90.1%. The success rates were in the lindane group on days 8 and 15, respectively, 73 and 86.5%. The success rates were in the dimeticone group on days 8 and 15, respectively, 60.4 and 94.6%. It is recommended dimeticone lotion (4%) as a very effective and safe pediculicide for pediculosis control. With proper application, dimethicone can rapidly cure head lice infestation with minimal reinfestation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamid Kassiri
- Department of Medical Entomology, School of Health, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran.
| | - Atefe Ebrahimi Fahdani
- Department of Medical Entomology, School of Health, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Bahman Cheraghian
- Department of Bio-Statistics, School of Health, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
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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: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [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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15
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Babazadeh T, Kouzekanani K, Oliaei S, Gaffari-Fam S, Abbasabad GD, Maleki Chollou K, Heidari S. Assessing the link between head lice infestation and selected cognitive-behavioral factors in a sample of Iranian female adolescents. Heliyon 2020; 6:e03959. [PMID: 32514477 PMCID: PMC7266778 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2020.e03959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2019] [Revised: 12/17/2019] [Accepted: 05/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Head lice infestation is a serious health issue among adolescents in Iran. The primary purpose of the study was to determine the association of head lice infestation with cognitive-behavioral factors in female adolescents. Methods The study was cross-sectional, took place between September and October of 2017 in Sarab, East Azerbaijan province, Iran. Using a multi-stage sampling to recruit the study's 226 female adolescents, five of the Sarab's 13 schools were selected through simple random sampling. In the second step, the students were randomly selected using the systematic random sampling method. A survey questionnaire was used to collect the data. Findings The prevalence rate of head lice was calculated 20.4%, and the subjects with head lice infestation had lower levels of severity, benefits, self-efficacy, and preventive behaviors. Those without head lice infestation reported adhering to preventive behaviors. The perceived severity and self-efficacy were the statistically significant predictors of head lice infestation and use of preventive behaviors. Conclusion Public health authorities, with feedback from the community, must design and implement prevention programs, focusing on mothers and their school-aged children, school principals, and managers of public places as potential change agents. In addition to, perceived severity and self-efficacy should be considered as the key categories when developing these prevention programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Towhid Babazadeh
- Department of Public Health, Sarab Faculty of Medical Sciences, Sarab, Iran
| | - Kamiar Kouzekanani
- College of Education & Human Development, TAMUCC 6300 Ocean Dr., Unit 5818, FC 223 Corpus Christi, TX 78412-5818, USA
| | - Shahram Oliaei
- Center of Submarine and Hyperbaric Medicine, Health Deputy of the Iranian Navy, Tehran, Iran
| | - Saber Gaffari-Fam
- School of Nursing of Miandoab City, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | | | | | - Sohrab Heidari
- School of Nursing of Miandoab City, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
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16
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Adham D, Moradi-Asl E, Abazari M, Saghafipour A, Alizadeh P. Forecasting head lice ( Pediculidae: Pediculus humanus capitis) infestation incidence hotspots based on spatial correlation analysis in Northwest Iran. Vet World 2020; 13:40-46. [PMID: 32158149 PMCID: PMC7020119 DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2020.40-46] [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: 08/18/2019] [Accepted: 12/03/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Davoud Adham
- Department of Public Health, School of Public Health, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil, Iran
| | - Eslam Moradi-Asl
- Department of Public Health, School of Public Health, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil, Iran.,Arthropod Borne Diseases Research Center, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil, Iran
| | - Malek Abazari
- Department of Public Health, School of Public Health, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil, Iran
| | - Abedin Saghafipour
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Health, Qom University of Medical Sciences, Qom, Iran
| | - Parisa Alizadeh
- Department of Public Health, School of Public Health, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil, Iran
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Nezhadali A, Babazadeh T, Nadrian H, Allahverdipour H. Cognitive Factors Associated to Pediculosis Preventive Behaviors Among Mothers of School-Age Children in Chaldoran County, Iran. J Multidiscip Healthc 2020; 13:19-26. [PMID: 32021231 PMCID: PMC6966949 DOI: 10.2147/jmdh.s237101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2019] [Accepted: 12/20/2019] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite the improvement of living standards and public health as well as conducting the specific programs based on pediculosis control guidelines, Head Lice Infestation (HLI) is still a worldwide health concern. The purpose of this study was to investigate the cognitive factors associated to school-age children's HLI among mothers in an urban community. SUBJECTS AND METHODS In this cross-sectional study, a multi-stage cluster random sample of 619 mothers of students in elementary schools of Chaldoran County, located in North-West of Iran, was recruited to participate in the study. Data were collected applying a set of questionnaires including socio-demographic and cognitive-behavioral factors, including Pediculosis Preventive Behaviors (PPBs), HLI knowledge, threat appraisal, as well as HLI prevention perceived self-efficacy, response efficacy, and perceived collective family efficacy. RESULTS Statistically significant differences were found in the children's HLI by their mother's age and performance in PPBs (p-value=0.001). Hierarchical multiple linear regressions were performed with PPBs as outcome variable. According to their natures, the predictors for this outcome variable were classified in two different blocks. Demographic characteristics (p > 0.05), and cognitive constructs (p< 0.001) explained 9% and 21.1% of the observed variance in PPBs, respectively. Pediculosis was found as an epidemic among the students, particularly female students, of Chaldoran County, which call for action by health stakeholders and policymakers. CONCLUSION The healthcare providers are recommended to develop HLI prevention programs, within which the mothers and their school-age children as well as school mangers and public places' employers are considered as the core target groups for interventions. Besides PPBs, response efficacy and perceived collective family efficacy to perform the behaviors should be considered as the core categories while designing such prevention programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Nezhadali
- Department of Health Education and Promotion, Faculty of Health Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Towhid Babazadeh
- Department of Public Health, Sarab Faculty of Medical Sciences, Sarab14711, Iran
| | - Haidar Nadrian
- Department of Health Education & Promotion, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz14711, Iran
| | - Hamid Allahverdipour
- Research Center of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Department of Health Education & Promotion, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz14711, Iran
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18
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Moosazadeh M, Afshari M, Hajheydari Z, Charkameh A, Nezammahalleh A, Zerafat A, Rezaei F, Rankoohi M, Safari N, Shojaei J, Enayati AA. Prevalence of pediculosis and its related factors among primary school girls in the north of Iran. Int J Adolesc Med Health 2019; 33:/j/ijamh.ahead-of-print/ijamh-2018-0039/ijamh-2018-0039.xml. [PMID: 30685740 DOI: 10.1515/ijamh-2018-0039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2018] [Accepted: 03/04/2018] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Head lice infestation is one of the main public health problems worldwide and a sanitary, cultural and economic indicator for communities' health. This study aims to estimate the prevalence of head lice infestation among female primary school children in selected districts of Mazandaran Province, Iran. METHODS In this cross-sectional study, 3033 female school children were recruited using the consensus method. Head lice infestation was defined as visible adult lice, nymph or egg with the naked eye. Data were described by percent frequency and analyzed using the chi-squared test and multivariate logistic regression models. A p-value less than 0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS Prevalence of head lice infestation among female school children was estimated at 7.9%. The adjusted odds ratios (OR) [95% confidence intervals (CI)] for rural residents, low level educated mothers, family size more than five and not combing their hair were 1.96 (1.41-2.78), 2.46 (1.35-4.49), 2.04 (1.12-3.70) and 3.94 (1.73-8.96), respectively. In addition, considering first grade students as a reference group, the ORs (95% CI) for second and third grades were 1.89 (1.18-3.05) and 1.69 (1.05-2.74), respectively. CONCLUSION Our study showed that studying in urban schools, low educational level of mothers, grade, family size and no history of regular combing were predictors of head lice infestation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahmood Moosazadeh
- Health Science Research Center, Addiction Institute, Mazandaran University of Medical Science, Sari, Iran
| | - Mahdi Afshari
- Department of Community Medicine, Zabol University of Medical Sciences, Zabol, Iran
| | - Zohreh Hajheydari
- Department of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Ali Charkameh
- Student Research Committee, School of Health, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Asghar Nezammahalleh
- Student Research Committee, School of Health, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Aliakbar Zerafat
- Health Deputy, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Foroozan Rezaei
- Health Deputy, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Maryam Rankoohi
- Health Deputy, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Nasim Safari
- Health Deputy, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Jalil Shojaei
- Student Research Committee, School of Health, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Ahmad Ali Enayati
- Health Science Research Center, School of Public Health, Mazandaran University of Medical Science, Sari, Iran
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Firooziyan S, Sadaghianifar A, Taghilou B, Galavani H, Ghaffari E, Gholizadeh S. Identification of Novel Voltage-Gated Sodium Channel Mutations in Human Head and Body Lice (Phthiraptera: Pediculidae). JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2017; 54:1337-1343. [PMID: 28549171 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjx107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, the increase of head louse infestation in Iran (7.4%) and especially in West-Azerbaijan Province (248%) has raised the hypothesis of insecticide resistance development. There are different mechanisms of resistance to various groups of insecticides, and knockdown resistance (kdr) is a prominent mechanism of resistance to pyrethroids, an insecticide group which is used conventionally for pediculosis control. For detection of kdr-type well-known amino acid substitutions (M815I-T917I-L920F) and additional sodium channel mutations potentially associated with kdr resistance in head and body lice, louse populations were collected from West-Azerbaijan and Zanjan Provinces of Iran. Six novel mutations were found to be located in the IIS1-2 extracellular loop (H813P) and IIS5 (I927F, L928A, R929V, L930M, and L932M) of the α-subunit. Genotyping results showed that all specimens (100%) have at least one of these or the well-known mutations. Therefore, the presence of kdr-related and novel mutations in the sodium channel is likely to be the reason for the frequent use of pyrethroid insecticides due to treatment failure against lice. Further studies are now required to evaluate the prevalence of the kdr-like mutant allele for monitoring of insecticide resistance and the management of head and body lice in other provinces of the country.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samira Firooziyan
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia 5756115111, Iran
- Medical Entomology Department, School of Public Health, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia 5756115198, Iran
| | - Ali Sadaghianifar
- Urmia Health Center, Disease Control Unit, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia 5713759185, Iran
| | - Behrooz Taghilou
- Deputy of Research and Technology, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan 4515613191, Iran
| | - Hossein Galavani
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia 5756115111, Iran
| | - Eslam Ghaffari
- Urmia Health Center, Environmental Health Unit, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia 5713759185, Iran
| | - Saber Gholizadeh
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia 5756115111, Iran
- Medical Entomology Department, School of Public Health, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia 5756115198, Iran
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20
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Moshki M, Zamani-Alavijeh F, Mojadam M. Efficacy of Peer Education for Adopting Preventive Behaviors against Head Lice Infestation in Female Elementary School Students: A Randomised Controlled Trial. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0169361. [PMID: 28072852 PMCID: PMC5224824 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0169361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2016] [Accepted: 12/15/2016] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Pediculosis is a common parasitic infestation in students worldwide, including Iran. This condition is more prevalent in populous and deprived communities with poor personal hygiene. This study sought to assess the efficacy of peer education for adopting preventive behaviors against pediculosis in female elementary school students based on the Health Belief Model (HBM). Methods A total of 179 female fifth grade students were selected using multistage random sampling and were randomly allocated to control and intervention groups. A standard questionnaire was designed and administered to collect baseline information. An educational intervention was then designed based on the conducted needs assessment. The educational program consisted of three sessions, held by peers for the intervention group. The questionnaire was re-administered one month after the intervention. Independent and paired t-test, Pearson’s correlation coefficient, and regression analysis were applied as appropriate. Results The two groups had no significant differences in the scores of knowledge, HBM constructs, or behavior before the intervention. After the intervention, however, the mean scores of all parameters significantly improved in the intervention group. Conclusion Peer education based on HBM is an effective strategy to promote preventive behaviors against pediculosis in among fifth grade female elementary school students in Iran.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahdi Moshki
- Public Health Department, School of Health Sciences, Social Development & Health Promotion Research Center, Gonabad University of Medical Sciences, Gonabad, Iran
| | - Fereshteh Zamani-Alavijeh
- Health Education and Promotion Department, School of Health, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Mehdi Mojadam
- Public Health Department, School of Health, Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
- * E-mail:
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21
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Nunes SCB, Moroni RB, Mendes J, Justiniano SCB, Moroni FT. HEAD LICE IN HAIR SAMPLES FROM YOUTHS, ADULTS AND THE ELDERLY IN MANAUS, AMAZONAS STATE, BRAZIL. Rev Inst Med Trop Sao Paulo 2016. [PMID: 26200965 PMCID: PMC4544249 DOI: 10.1590/s0036-46652015000300010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
A study of head lice infestations among young people, adults and elderly individuals
was conducted from August 2010 to July 2013 in Manaus, AM, Northern Brazil. Hair
samples collected from 1,860 individuals in 18 barber shops and beauty parlors were
examined for the ectoparasite. The occurrence of pediculosis and its association with
factors, such as sex, age, ethnicity, hair characteristics and the socioeconomic
profile of salon customers, salon location and seasonal variation were determined.
The overall occurrence rate was 2.84%. Occurrence was higher in hair samples from
non-blacks and the elderly. Higher occurrence was also observed during kindergarten,
elementary and junior education school holidays. The results indicate that the
occurrence of head lice among young people, adults and the elderly in Manaus is
relatively low compared to that determined in children and in other regions of the
country. After children, the elderly were the most affected. The study also indicated
the need to adopt additional procedures to improve surveys among the population with
low or no purchasing power, which is usually the most affected by this ectoparasitic
disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Júlio Mendes
- ICBIM, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil
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Prevalence of Head Lice Infestation and Its Associated Factors among Primary School Students in Iran: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Osong Public Health Res Perspect 2015; 6:346-56. [PMID: 26835244 PMCID: PMC4700766 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrp.2015.10.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2015] [Accepted: 10/28/2015] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
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.
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Impact of family ownerships, individual hygiene, and residential environments on the prevalence of pediculosis capitis among schoolchildren in urban and rural areas of northwest of Iran. Parasitol Res 2015; 114:4295-303. [PMID: 26276644 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-015-4670-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2015] [Accepted: 08/06/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
In the appraisal of head lice outbreak, in addition to socioeconomic factors and availability of health care services, environmental conditions of the households must be taken into account. However, interviewing with children or mailing questionnaires to families may not reflect the actualities. Therefore, in this study, all the inclusive factors which may be associated with head lice outbreak were thoroughly and closely investigated. The data were collected by examining students at schools and surveying patients' households. A questionnaire concerning children's personal hygienic practices, family features, and environmental conditions of the households was filled out during the close assessment of the residential area. The overall prevalence of head lice was obtained as 5.9%, and the difference was not significant within the urban (5.1%) and rural (6.1%) communities. Overall, the number of infested students was more frequent in girls (6.6%) than boys (2.8%), but the difference was not significant. The highest infestation rate was obtained in the examined students whose fathers were unemployed, farmer, and herdsman. Family income showed greater correlation with the prevalence of pediculosis capitis. A high frequency of pediculosis capitis was identified among the students who were sharing individual items with siblings. Assessment of households showed that room flooring material and keeping animals at home were highly correlated with head lice prevalence. Households should be informed that infestations happen, irrespective of socioeconomic status. However, the physical and environmental conditions of living areas and households play an important role in head lice prevention.
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Rassami W, Soonwera M. Epidemiology of pediculosis capitis among schoolchildren in the eastern area of Bangkok, Thailand. Asian Pac J Trop Biomed 2015; 2:901-4. [PMID: 23569868 DOI: 10.1016/s2221-1691(12)60250-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2012] [Revised: 08/29/2012] [Accepted: 11/28/2012] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine the prevalence of infestation with head lice in primary schoolchildren in the eastern area of Bangkok, Thailand. METHODS The present study was to determine the head lice infestation (Pediculosis) levels in primary schoolchildren, during May, 2011 to July, 2011, A total of 3 747 schoolchildren aged 5-12 years old from 12 selected primary school of Ladkrabang district, the eastern area of Bangkok were examined for head lice. Pediculosis was defined as the presence of at least on living adult, nymph and viable egg. RESULTS The overall head lice infestation rate was 23.32% and infestation rate was higher in girls (47.12%) than in boys (0%). The infestation rate among schoolchildren varied from 12.62% to 29.76%. The infestation rate among girls varied from 26.07% (12 years old group) to 55.89% (8 years old group). CONCLUSIONS Pediculosis is a common public health problem affecting primary schoolchildren in eastern area of Bangkok and those levels are epidemic importance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Watcharawit Rassami
- Entomology and Environment Program, Plant Production Technology, Faculty of Agricultural Technology, King Mongkut's Institute of Technology Ladkrabang, Ladkrabang, Bangkok Thailand
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ALBashtawy M. Knowledge, attitudes, and practices of parents/guardians regarding pediculosis in the Umm el-Jimal district of Jordan. J Res Nurs 2012. [DOI: 10.1177/1744987112465882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study is to assess the prevalence of pediculosis capitis in one district in Jordan, and to determine the knowledge, attitudes and practices of parents/guardians regarding head lice. The study was performed in Jordan’s Umm el-Jimal district from February 2010 to May 2010, and involved the surveying of 105 randomly selected households containing a total of 213 children. The households’ parents were interviewed for their knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding pediculosis, and afterward their children’s hair was checked for head lice via a 5-min visual scalp examination. Chi-square testing was used to analyse the data, with statistical significance assumed at p < 0.05. The prevalence rate of pediculosis among the 213 children was found to be 14.6%. Parental knowledge of head lice was found to be very limited; only 35.2% of the parents/guardians correctly answered 10 of the 20 questions (50%), and only 17.1% correctly answered 14 questions (70%). More than 94% of the parents reported feeling shame upon learning that their children were infested with pediculosis, and nearly 90% felt too ashamed to ask for help from a healthcare provider. Many parents used traditional/local techniques that they believed to be effective in managing pediculosis; 61% of the parents applied kerosene to the scalps of infested individuals, 39.9% used medical shampoo and 37.6% used special combs. There is a clear deficiency in Jordanian parents’ knowledge of, and practices concerning, pediculosis capitis. It is recommended that the Jordanian Ministry of Health and local health departments work together to ensure the dissemination of accurate and consistent head lice information to families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed ALBashtawy
- Chair of Community and Mental Health Department, Princess Salma Faculty of Nursing, AL al-Bayt University, Jordan
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Yamamah GA, Emam HM, Abdelhamid MF, Elsaie ML, Shehata H, Farid T, Kamel MI, Taalat AA. Epidemiologic study of dermatologic disorders among children in South Sinai, Egypt. Int J Dermatol 2012; 51:1180-5. [PMID: 22834561 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-4632.2012.05475.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Few epidemiologic surveys have been carried out to determine the prevalence of skin diseases in the population of Egypt, particularly in the Sinai Peninsula. Thus, the necessity of such research in South Sinai is pressing. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of various skin diseases among children in South Sinai. METHODS A community-based protocol was followed. The study included 2194 children of both genders, 18 years of age and younger, and in six different localities within South Sinai. Data were collected by taking a full history and by systemic and dermatologic clinical examination that included the site, severity, distribution, and extent of skin lesions if present. Subjects were surveyed at general morbidity consultations and campaign field visits. The study was conducted from August 2008 to August 2009. Data were tabulated and analyzed statistically using Pearson's chi-squared test. Differences were considered significant at a P-value of < 0.05. RESULTS Findings revealed that 71.4% of the studied population had one or more skin diseases. The highest rate of prevalence applied to parasitic skin infestations (pediculosis capitis, 37.6%). Eczema or dermatitis were found in 25.8% of participants. Pityriasis alba occurred at a rate of 18.3% and seborrheic dermatitis at a rate of 6.7%. Xerosis was found in 11.8% of subjects, viral warts in 4.1%, photosensitivity in 4.1%, acne vulgaris in 2.6%, and fungal skin infections in 1.0%. Other skin diseases diagnosed in low numbers in the study children included impetigo, freckles, and scabies. Prevalences of vitiligo and psoriasis were very low (0.18% and 0.05%, respectively). CONCLUSIONS Infective parasitic diseases are a major health problem, particularly among younger children and in subjects of low socioeconomic status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gamal A Yamamah
- Department of Pediatrics Dermatology, Venereology and Andrology, National Research Center, Cairo, Egypt
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Gutiérrez MM, González JW, Stefanazzi N, Serralunga G, Yañez L, Ferrero AA. Prevalence of Pediculus humanus capitis infestation among kindergarten children in Bahía Blanca city, Argentina. Parasitol Res 2012; 111:1309-13. [PMID: 22752696 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-012-2966-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2012] [Accepted: 05/03/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
The human head louse, Pediculus humanus capitis De Geer (Anoplura: Pediculidae), is a worldwide public health concern. This human obligate ectoparasite usually infests school age children. The aim of this work was to investigate the prevalence of head lice in kindergarten children from Bahia Blanca. In addition, the influence of risk factors for pediculosis infestation, such as gender, hair characteristics, and socioeconomic class, was studied in relation to the prevalence of this ectoparasite. From a total of 220 pupils examined (125 girls and 95 boys), 94 showed pediculosis. The overall prevalence of head lice infestation was 42.7 %. Pediculosis was more frequent in girls (53.6 %) than in boys (28.4 %) and in medium, long, and very long hairs. No differences were found between socioeconomic classes. This indicated that head lice are relatively common in kindergarten children from Bahía Blanca.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Mercedes Gutiérrez
- Laboratorio de Zoología de Invertebrados II, Dpto de Biología, Bioquímica y Farmacia, Universidad Nacional del Sur, San Juan 670, 8000, Bahía Blanca, Argentina
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Little is known about the effect of socioeconomic status on the infestation by head lice in schoolchildren in Jordan. MATERIALS AND METHODS A cross-sectional school-based study was conducted from December 2009 to February 2010. A list of all primary schools in Mafraq governorate was obtained (394 primary schools). Eight primary schools were randomly selected (four male schools and four female schools). Data were collected by five well-trained nurses. Hair was examined for head lice as well as for eggs/nits. Analysis of data was conducted by using SPSS software version 16. The chi-square test was used to assess statistical significance of subgroup differences in the prevalence of infestation, and multivariate logistic regression was used to control for potential confounding. RESULTS Out of 1550 primary schoolchildren screened, 412 (26.6%) were infected with lice, 163 (19.6%) boys and 249 (34.7%) girls. The results showed significant variations in head lice infestation by factors such as gender, age, and socioeconomic variables (family income, father's education, mother's education, number of rooms, number of siblings younger than 15 years, frequency of hair washing per week, and bathing per week). There was no significant variation in lice infestation with parents' occupation (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Socioeconomic status is a major factor influencing the occurrence of pediculosis capitis among schoolchildren in both sexes. Improving standards of living and personal hygiene might significantly reduce pediculosis capitis in schoolchildren in Jordan.
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Affiliation(s)
- A L Bashtawy Mohammed
- Community and Mental Health Nursing Department, Princess Salma Faculty of Nursing, AL-al-Bayt University, Mafraq, Jordan.
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Rukke BA, Birkemoe T, Soleng A, Lindstedt HH, Ottesen P. Head lice prevalence among households in Norway: importance of spatial variables and individual and household characteristics. Parasitology 2011; 138:1296-304. [PMID: 21767439 PMCID: PMC3181434 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182011001004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2011] [Revised: 05/12/2011] [Accepted: 05/23/2011] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Head lice prevalence varies greatly between and within countries, and more knowledge is needed to approach causes of this variation. In the present study, we investigated head lice prevalence among elementary school students and their households in relation to individual and household characteristics as well as spatial variables. The investigation included households from 5 geographically separated municipalities. Present infestations among household members as well as previous infestations in the household were reported in a questionnaire. In elementary school students prevalence was low (1·63%), but more than one-third of the households (36·43%) had previously experienced pediculosis. Prevalence was higher in elementary school students than in other household members, and highest in third-grade children. Prevalence was also influenced by the school attended, which suggested that interactions between children in the same school are important for head lice transmission. Previous occurrence of head lice in homes also increased the risk of present infestation. Prevalence of previous infestations was higher in households with more children and in more densely populated municipalities, indicating that the density of hosts or groups of hosts influences transmission rates. These results demonstrate that information of hosts' spatial distribution as well as household and individual characteristics is needed to better understand head lice population dynamics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bjørn Arne Rukke
- Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Department of Pest Control, Lovisenberggata 8, PO Box 4404 Nydalen, NO-0456 Oslo, Norway.
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